stuffed shells

this got created b/c i didn't buy a couple things i needed for my usual stuffed shells recipe and didn't realize it till i was in the middle of making it. it turned out REALLY well though, so here you go! :)

1 lb. ground beef, browned and drained of grease (i actually boil it, it gets the grease out better)
16 oz. tub cottage cheese
1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained (squeeze out excess water)
1 packet ranch dip/dressing mix
1 egg white
1 1/2 c shredded mozzarella, divided
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 can cream of mushroom soup
20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained

spread mushroom soup in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. in a bowl, combine meat, cottage cheese, spinach, ranch, egg white, 1/2 c mozzarella, and garlic. spoon into cooked pasta shells, and arrange shells in baking dish. top shells w/ remaining mozzarella and cover w/ foil. bake at 400 for 30-40 minutes. serves 5.

* this can easily be made vegetarian by omitting the ground beef
* shredded chicken, ground turkey, sausage, or whatever other meat you have on hand works well too