Amy J. Bennett

Extraordinary Faith for Everyday Life

Easy, Budget-Friendly Manicotti

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Manicotti

This is a long-standing recipe of mine. Probably the first edible one I did after we were married besides Hamburger Helper.  Not. even. joking.

I made this Monday night and was able to get 3 small casseroles from it.  We ate one that fed 4 and then two smaller ones I froze that will be great just for me and the girls one night Scott is working.  Usually I make 2 medium sized casseroles.  OR, just make one big 9×13 casserole dish of this if you have a crowd or like leftovers.  I’m going to do the recipe as it is one big casserole but you can divide between however many dishes you want.

1 pkg of jumbo shells (I prefer these over actual manicotti shells)
2 jars spaghetti sauce
32 oz ricotta cheese (or 2 15 oz containers)
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 teaspoons parsley
2 eggs
Parmesan cheese

Cook the jumbo shells according to package.  While you’re waiting, make the filling in a big bowl by mixing the ricotta cheese, 3 cups mozzarella cheese, parsley and eggs.  It will come together like a  big ball when you’re done.

Put 1/2 of one jar of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of the dish.

When the shells are done, run them under cold water and when they’re cool enough to touch, spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the filling into each shell. I like my filling where it makes the openings just touch or the filling puffing out just a bit.  Put the stuffed shell in the casserole dish.  There is no rhyme or reason here.  Continue until you can’t fit anymore shells in the dish.  I cram them in but usually have lots of shells left.

Top with the rest of the spaghetti sauce.  Cover with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and sprinkle parmesan cheese on top.

Bake in the oven at 350 for 20-25 minutes or whenever the cheese is melted and everything is bubbly.

Optional: Brown 1 lb of meat and mix with the spaghetti sauce before using.

Enjoy!

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  3. Oh I also didn’t note why it was so budget-friendly…I got the spaghetti sauce for free on a sale. Shells were $1.24 and ricotta cheese was $3. Mozzarella was about $3 as well. So for about $7 I made 3 meals!

  4. Here’s an easy budget-friendly and super yummy chicken taco recipe I made tonight with my BFF the crock-pot!

    4chicken breasts (bought at HT during buy 2 get 3 free sale)
    Pack of taco seasoning (BOGO at HT)
    Jar of salsa (0.50 during super double week)

    Put chicken breasts in crock-pot, sprinkle pack of taco seasong, dump jar of salsa in … Leave for 6-8 hours. When ready to eat, serve with a side of Rice-a-roni Spanish rice and black beans. You can eat buy itself or wrap in a soft taco shell. Yum-o!

    I fed my family, my parents and have leftovers for 2 more tacos!

  8. I have been looking for fool-proof (I’m an idiot int he kitchen) recipes to cook and this looks easy AND delicious!! Can’t wait to try it!!

  9. Just wanted to follow up that I finally bought the ingredients for this dish this week! And then I asked Dawg if he likes manicotti and he said “no, not really”. I guess he doesn’t like ricotta, so I’m going to try spicing it with garlic and pepper and maybe some cayenne to make it more interesting. I love ricotta so if he won’t eat this, MORE FOR ME!!! Will let you know how it is when I finally get to make it!!! 🙂

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