mmm, cannelloni!

ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup finely chopped basil
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt divided
• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper divided
• 1 pound ground beef, cooked and drained
• 1 (16-ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano or Parmesan Cheese, divided
• 1 (8-ounce) box cannelloni shells, cooked according to package directions.

directions

1. in a dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium high heat.
2. add onions and cook for 4 to 6 minutes or until tender.
3. add tomatoes, basil, 1-teaspoon salt, 1-teaspoon pepper.
4. bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently for 45 minutes.
5. preheat oven to 350 degrees. spray a 3-½ quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
6. in a large bowl combine ground beef, mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, remaining ½ teaspoon pepper, and 4 tablespoons of the sauce mixture.
   
7. stuff cannelloni with the meat mixture, and place in a single layer in prepared baking dish.
   
8. top with remaining sauce mixture. sprinkle with remaining parmesan cheese evenly over sauce.
   
9. bake for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. let stand for 10 minutes before serving.