Description
Baked Manicotti Delight
Ingredients:
1 box of manicotti pasta tubes
2 cups marinara sauce
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Pasta: Cook the manicotti tubes in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and let them cool slightly.
Cook the Filling: In a skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Drain any excess fat.
Mix the Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and Italian seasoning. Mix well.
Stuff the Manicotti: Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each pasta tube with the cheese mixture. Place them in a greased baking dish.
Layer the Dish: Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed manicotti, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the cooked ground beef on top, followed by extra mozzarella cheese.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
Simple, comforting, and absolutely delicious!
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Step-by-Step Guide
For perfect manicotti, follow these detailed steps. First, after cooking the pasta, lay the tubes individually on a sheet of parchment paper to prevent sticking. For the filling, ensure the cooked meat is fully cooled before mixing it with the cheese blend to prevent the egg from cooking. The easiest way to stuff the tubes is with a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. If using a spoon, gently open each tube with your fingers. Arrange the stuffed manicotti in a single, snug layer in your dish to prevent rolling. When baking, the covered time steams the pasta to tenderness, while the final uncovered bake creates the essential crispy, golden cheese top.
Serving Suggestions
This baked manicotti is a hearty main dish. Serve it with a crisp Caesar salad and garlic breadsticks for a classic Italian-American feast. For a lighter side, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness. It also pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.
How-to Summary
Cook pasta tubes until al dente. Brown and season meat, then let cool. Mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and herbs. Stuff the cooled tubes with the cheese mixture. Place in a dish, top with sauce, meat, and more cheese. Bake covered at 375°F for 25 minutes, then uncovered for 10 minutes until bubbly. Garnish with parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare manicotti ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the dish 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 cheese? Absolutely. Cottage cheese is a common substitute for ricotta. For a sharper flavor, try mixing in some asiago or pecorino romano with the Parmesan.
How do I prevent the tubes from tearing? Avoid overcooking the pasta; al dente tubes are sturdier. Handle them gently when draining and stuffing.
Can I make this vegetarian? Easily. Omit the meat and add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or diced roasted bell peppers to the cheese filling.
How should I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overfilling the pasta tubes, as they may split during baking. Do not add hot meat to the cheese mixture, as it can curdle the egg. Skipping the foil cover for the initial bake can result in dried-out pasta edges and uneven cooking. Finally, do not under-season the filling—taste the cheese mixture (without the egg) and adjust herbs and salt before adding the egg.
Conclusion
This Baked Manicotti Delight is the epitome of comforting, crowd-pleasing cuisine. With its layers of pasta, creamy cheese, savory meat, and tangy sauce, it’s a guaranteed family favorite. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll achieve a perfectly baked, restaurant-quality dish right at home. It’s a versatile recipe that welcomes customization, making it a reliable go-to for any dinner occasion. Enjoy the delicious results of your effort!