Description
Stuffed Manicotti with Meat and Cheese
This stuffed manicotti dish is filled with a savory meat mixture, creamy ricotta, and topped with gooey melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions!
Ingredients
:
12 manicotti shells
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
2 cups marinara sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Manicotti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.
Prepare the Meat Filling: In a skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Mix the Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Add the cooked meat mixture and stir until well combined.
Stuff the Manicotti: Carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the meat and cheese mixture using a spoon. Place the stuffed manicotti shells in the prepared baking dish.
Bake the Dish: Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed manicotti shells, then top with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy the cheesy, flavorful stuffed manicotti!
This stuffed manicotti is a comforting dish full of rich flavors, perfect for satisfying any pasta craving. Enjoy!