FILLING:

1 lb. ground beef
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 c. chopped onion
1/2 c. cottage cheese
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp. salt
1 pkg. Manicotti shells
1/4 c. butter
1 clove garlic (1/4 tsp. garlic powder)
1 pkg. frozen chopped spinach (cooked and drained)

Cook noodles and spinach separately according to package directions. (I have also found that to save time you can fill the noodles uncooked - especially if you prepare ahead of time).

Prepare filling by cooking onions and garlic in butter. Add meat; when browned, remove from heat and stir in spinach, eggs (beaten), cottage cheese, and salt. Fill shells and place in a 9x13 buttered pan.

WHITE SAUCE:

1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. flour
3 tsp. seasoned chicken stock base
3 c. milk
1/2 c. chopped parsley

Prepare white sauce by mixing butter (melt slightly), flour, and chicken base over heat until blended and melted. Remove from heat; add milk and stir. Return to heat until boiling, stirring constantly. Add parsley. Pour sauce over filled shells.

Cover white sauce using a full jar of spaghetti sauce (Ragu works well), and sprinkle top with basil leaves. Optional: sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and dot with mushrooms.

Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 40 minutes (longer if dish has been refrigerated) and enjoy!