STUFFING:
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 lb. Mozzarella, grated
1 pt. ricotta (low fat)
2 scallions, sliced
2 tbsp. basil
1 tbsp. salt
1 lb. manicotti noodles
Jar of spaghetti sauce
9 x 13 inch baking dish (or larger dish)
Brown meat; season with basil and salt. Drain well; let cool. Combine meat, grated Mozzarella, ricotta, scallions. Stuffing should be very heavy. Cook manicotti according to package MINUS 1/3 of the suggested time; manicotti should be a little stiff. Stuff each manicotti. If noodle tears, just press it into stuffing and lay torn side down in pan.
Pour small amount of sauce in bottom of baking dish. Place stuffed noodles in dish, cover with sauce and crumbled stuffing mix if there is any left over. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 40 minutes. Freezes and reheats well.
