- 14-15 manicotti shells
- 3-4 cups White Sauce or Bechemal Sauce
- 300 g extra lean ground beef
- 5 mushrooms, chopped
- 4 hot dogs (wiener), diced
- 1 cup green pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 3 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 3-4 tablespoons cooking oil
- 2 cups salsa sauce (ready to serve) or Fresh Tomato Salsa Sauce
- 2-3 tablespoons crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup bread crumb
- salt & pepper to taste
Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat, add onions and sauté until slightly golden.
Add the ground beef and cook until the meat is well browned. Add the garlic, hot dogs, turmeric powder, salt and pepper; cook for 1-2 minutes.
Add green peppers, mushrooms, crushed tomatoes and salsa sauce; mix well and simmer uncovered until all the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally.
Let the mixture cool then add bread crumb, dried oregano leaves, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese; mix well and set it aside.
Meanwhile bring a large pan of lightly salted water to a boil. Add manicotti tubes and cook until tender but still firm to the bite (or follow the package instruction).
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the manicotti tubes to a colander, drain, rinse under cold running water and drain again.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Using a small teaspoon, fill the manicotti tubes with the mixture.
Spread a little cooking oil around the inside of a baking dish and transfer the manicotti tubes to the dish (you need more than one dish).
Pour the white sauce over them to cover completely and sprinkle with 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Place on the middle rack of the oven and bake until golden brown and bubbling, about 30-40 minutes.
Serve immediately.