Description
Baked Beef and Cheese Stuffed Manicotti Recipe
Ingredients
1 package (8 oz) manicotti pasta
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Cook manicotti shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
In a skillet, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
Stir in half of the marinara sauce, simmer for 2–3 minutes, and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Stuff the Manicotti
Using a piping bag, spoon, or your hands, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a greased baking dish.
Arrange the stuffed manicotti in a single layer.
Pour the meat sauce over the pasta, covering evenly.
Top with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve warm with garlic bread or a side salad.
Enjoy your hearty and cheesy stuffed manicotti!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect manicotti every time. First, cook the manicotti shells to al dente, as they will soften further in the oven. Rinse them under cool water to stop the cooking and make handling easier. For the filling, ensure your ricotta is well-drained to prevent a watery dish. Combine the cheese mixture thoroughly before gently stuffing each shell. A piping bag or a small zip-top bag with a corner snipped off makes this clean and efficient. When assembling, the thin layer of sauce on the bottom is crucial to prevent sticking and to add moisture.
Serving Suggestions
This rich, comforting dish pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Serve with a crisp Caesar or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. Warm, buttery garlic bread is a classic accompaniment for soaking up extra sauce. For a complete Italian feast, start with an antipasto platter or a bowl of minestrone soup.
How-to Summary
In summary: Cook pasta shells. Brown meat and mix with half the sauce. Combine cheeses, egg, and seasonings for the filling. Stuff the cooled shells with the cheese mixture. Layer in a dish with sauce, add the stuffed shells, top with meat sauce and cheese. Bake covered at 375°F for 20 minutes, then uncovered for 10-15 minutes until golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the manicotti completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
Can I use a different protein? Yes. Ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative work well. For a vegetarian version, use sautéed spinach and mushrooms.
How do I prevent the shells from tearing? Cooking to al dente and handling them gently when cooling and stuffing is key. Slightly undercooking them by a minute also helps.
Can I freeze baked manicotti? Yes. After baking and cooling, portion it, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
What can I substitute for ricotta? An equal amount of cottage cheese (small curd) or a blend of mascarpone and cream cheese can be used, though the flavor will vary.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the pasta initially, as it will become mushy after baking. Do not skip draining the fat from the cooked meat, as it can make the final dish greasy. Ensure your cheese filling is not too wet; draining ricotta and using a single egg is sufficient. Finally, do not overstuff the shells, as they may split open during baking.
Conclusion
This Baked Beef and Cheese Stuffed Manicotti is a quintessential comfort food that is impressive enough for company yet simple enough for a weeknight. With its layers of flavorful meat sauce, rich cheese filling, and melted mozzarella topping, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can avoid common pitfalls and create a perfectly baked, hearty Italian meal. Enjoy the delicious results of your effort!