Beef & Cheese Manicotti

In a medium-sized skillet or saute pan, brown hamburger meat over medium-high heat and drain excess grease.

Add 1 t olive oil and onion to skillet along with 1 t salt & pepper and cook until tender, approximately 5 minutes - then off the heat.

Spread 1 T olive oil over a large cookie or baking sheet. Boil water with 1 T salt and cook manicotti noodles until slightly softened, but still very firm to the bite (about 4 - 6 minutes). Use a slotted spoon to transfer to oiled cookie sheet and roll each noodle in the oil to cover completely (this helps prevent the noodles from splitting when filling).

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, stir together ricotta, 1 ½ C mozzarella, ½ C parmesan, and parsley until well combined. Stir cooled meat mixture into cheese mixture.

Preheat oven to 350° F and grease bottom of a 9" x 13" casserole dish with 1 t olive oil.

Stuff each manicotti using a spoon with one finger over the end of each noodle until completely full. Spread half of the marinara over the bottom of the casserole dish and and place each stuffed manicotti inside the dish.

Pour remaining half of marina sauce over manicotti and top with remaining 1 ½ C mozzarella and ½ C of parmesan cheese. With the butter pieces, dot the tops of each manicotti.

Bake uncovered for 30 - 35 minutes, or until sauce is bubbling.