Beef and Cheese Manicotti

8 ounces 93% lean ground beef
1/2 c finely chopped onion
1 (15-ounce) part skim ricotta cheese
1 1/2 c shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 c finely grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh flat leaf parsley
2 garlic cloves, minced
11/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
1 tsp pepper
3 tbsp olive oil
12 pieces of manicotti pasta
1 1/2 Marinara Sauce
1 tbsp butter, cut into pieces

Heat heavy skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion and saute until the meat browns and th onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, and let cool slightly.
Meanwhile, in medium bowl, mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir in the meat mixture and set aside.
Brush 1 tsp of olive oil over large baking sheet. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Working in batches, add the manicotti and cook until firm to the bite, about 6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the manicotti from the pot to the prepared baking sheet and let cool.
Preheat oven to 350*. Brush remaining 2 tsp olive oil over a 13x9x2 glass baking dish. Spoon 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce over bottom of dish. Fill the manicotti with the cheese-meat mixture, and arrange the stuffed pasta in a single layer in baking dish. Spoon the remaining cup of marinara sauce over manicotti. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and then the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese over the top. Dot the top with the butter pieces. (The manicotti can be prepared up to this point 8 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
Bake uncovered until it is heated through and the sauce bubbles on the bottom of the dish, about 35 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes and serve.

Number of Servings: 6

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user KMARQUIZE.