Description
Cheesy Beef Manicotti
Ingredients:
12 manicotti pasta shells
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook manicotti shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning until browned. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat and let cool slightly.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked beef, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix until well combined.
4. Fill each manicotti shell with the beef mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Arrange the filled shells in a greased baking dish.
5. Pour marinara sauce evenly over the manicotti and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy this comforting Italian classic!
#CheesyManicotti #ItalianCuisine
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for perfect manicotti every time. First, ensure your manicotti shells are cooked al dente; they will soften further during baking. After draining, lay them in a single layer on an oiled baking sheet to prevent sticking. For the filling, allow the cooked beef mixture to cool for at least 10 minutes before adding the ricotta, Parmesan, and egg to avoid scrambling the egg. The easiest way to fill the shells is with a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Alternatively, use a small teaspoon. Gently squeeze the bag to fill each shell from both ends. When arranging in your 9×13 dish, nestle them snugly to prevent rolling.
Serving Suggestions
This rich, cheesy dish pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Serve with a crisp Caesar salad, garlic breadsticks, or steamed green beans drizzled with olive oil. For a complete Italian feast, start with a classic antipasto platter. Leftovers reheat wonderfully in the oven or microwave for a quick and satisfying meal the next day.
How-to Summary
In brief: Cook pasta shells. Brown beef with onion, garlic, and seasoning. Mix cooled beef with ricotta, Parmesan, and egg. Fill shells and place in dish. Top with marinara and mozzarella. Bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncovered for 10-15 minutes until golden. Garnish and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare manicotti ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time when cooking from cold.
Can I use a different meat? Yes. Ground Italian sausage, turkey, or a plant-based ground meat substitute work well. Adjust seasoning as needed.
How do I prevent the shells from tearing? Avoid overcooking the pasta initially. Handling them carefully and using a piping bag for filling minimizes stress on the shells.
Can I freeze baked manicotti? Yes. Cool completely, wrap the dish well, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, covered, in a 350°F oven.
What can I use instead of ricotta? Cottage cheese (small curd) or a mixture of mascarpone and a little cream cheese are suitable substitutes, though the texture will vary slightly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overfilling the shells, which can cause them to burst during baking. Do not skip letting the beef mixture cool before adding the egg and cheeses. Ensure the baking dish is properly greased to prevent sticking. Finally, do not forget to cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking; this ensures the pasta steams and becomes tender without drying out the top.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Beef Manicotti recipe delivers the ultimate comfort food experience. With its hearty beef filling, trio of creamy cheeses, and rich marinara sauce, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining. By following the step-by-step guide and tips provided, you can master this Italian classic with confidence. Buon appetito!