Stuffed Pasta Shells

Directions

1. To prepare spaghetti sauce, saute/fry mushrooms, onions, peppers, and garlic till tender. Then, add in meat and cook till no pink remains. Drain. Stir inundrained tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover; and simmer for 30 min. Then, set aside.
2. Preheat oven at 350. To prepare stuffing, bring water to a boil in a large pot and add in shells. Return to a boil, then continue cooking for 5 to 6 min more, or possibly till shells are barely tender. Drain and set aside on flat baking sheet (to prevent sticking). In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, 2 c. mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg whites, parsley, salt, and pepper. Pour 1 c. of spaghetti sauce onto bottom of a 13 x 9 x 2" pan. Fill each shell generously with cheese mix, about 1 Tbsp. in each shell. Place filled shells in pan. Pour remaining spaghetti sauce over each shell, then top with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake for 45 min or possibly till golden brown.