why make this recipe
Stuffed Manicotti is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings warmth and joy to any dinner table. It combines cheesy goodness with flavorful meat and rich marinara sauce, creating a delightful experience for everyone. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for family meals, gatherings, or a cozy night in.
how to make Stuffed Manicotti
Ingredients :
- 12 manicotti shells
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the manicotti shells according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage with the onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add 1 cup of marinara sauce to the meat mixture and stir until combined.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place the stuffed manicotti in the dish and top with the remaining marinara sauce and the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
how to serve Stuffed Manicotti
Serve Stuffed Manicotti hot from the oven. It goes well with a side salad or garlic bread. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes on top for added flavor.
how to store Stuffed Manicotti
To store leftover Stuffed Manicotti, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the oven or microwave until heated through.
tips to make Stuffed Manicotti
- Make sure not to overcook the manicotti shells; they should be al dente.
- You can prepare the filling ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble the dish.
- Consider adding spinach or mushrooms to the ricotta mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
variation
You can make a vegetarian version by using sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach instead of meat.
FAQs
Q1: Can I freeze Stuffed Manicotti?
A1: Yes, you can freeze the uncooked stuffed manicotti. Just assemble it in a baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to two months.
Q2: Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
A2: Absolutely! Store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly for this recipe and saves time.
Q3: What cheese can I substitute for ricotta?
A3: You can use cottage cheese or cream cheese as a substitute for ricotta, but the texture and taste may vary slightly.
Stuffed Manicotti
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 pieces manicotti shells
- 2 cups marinara sauce Divided - 1 cup for the meat mixture and 1 cup for topping
Filling
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Divided - 1/2 cup mixed into filling and remainder for topping
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper
- for garnish Chopped parsley
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the manicotti shells according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage with the onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add 1 cup of marinara sauce to the meat mixture and stir until combined.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
Baking
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place the stuffed manicotti in the dish and top with the remaining marinara sauce and the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.