1 lb. lean ground beef
1 med. onion, chopped
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
4 c. tomato juice
6 oz. can tomato paste
2 tsp. dried oregano, crushed
1 tsp. sugar
1/8 tsp. pepper
4 c. shredded Mozzarella
12 oz. pkg. container cottage cheese
10 oz. pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 egg
1 egg white
1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz. pkg. manicotti shells

In a skillet, brown meat with onion and garlic powder. Stir in half of tomato juice (2 cups), tomato paste, oregano, sugar, and pepper. Simmer 15 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine half of the Mozzarella cheese (2 cups), cottage cheese, spinach, egg, egg white, and Parmesan cheese. Stuff uncooked manicotti shells with cheese mixture. Arrange in a nonstick-sprayed 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Spread remaining stuffing mixture over the top and spoon meat sauce over shells. Pour remaining tomato juice (2 cups) over all. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Remove from oven and top with remaining cheese. Cover and let stand 15 minutes. Makes 6 servings.

NOTE: Use a small baby spoon to stuff shells. Double meat mixture and freeze half for your next batch. This can be easily assembled and frozen for later use.