Meat-Stuffed Manicotti Recipe
This meat-stuffed manicotti is a tasty Italian dish featuring pasta tubes filled with a savory mixture of ground meat and cheese, all covered in marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese.
The recipe is easy and good for a family dinner or special occasion. It combines simple ingredients and classic flavors for a satisfying meal.
Overview of Meat-Stuffed Manicotti
This dish features pasta tubes filled with a savory blend of ground meat and cheese, covered in a rich marinara sauce.
It’s a comforting meal that brings the essence of Italian cuisine right to your table.
The combination of flavors and textures makes it a favorite for family gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients That Shine
The key components of meat-stuffed manicotti include manicotti pasta, ground beef or Italian sausage, and a nice mixture of cheeses.
Ricotta cheese adds creaminess, while mozzarella contributes to that gooey, melted topping that everyone loves.
Herbs and spices make the flavor better, making each bite a satisfying experience.
Preparation Steps
Begin by cooking the manicotti in salted water until al dente, then let them cool slightly.
While the pasta is cooking, brown the ground meat in a skillet, letting it develop a rich flavor.
Combine the cooked meat with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and seasonings to create a filling that is both hearty and flavorful.
Stuffing the Manicotti
Filling the manicotti can be done with a spoon or a piping bag for ease.
Carefully stuff each pasta tube with the meat and cheese mixture, making sure they are filled well.
This step is important for getting that satisfying bite when the manicotti is served.
Baking to Perfection
Arrange the stuffed manicotti in a baking dish, layering them with marinara sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella on top.
Cover the dish with foil and bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden, creating a nice crust.
The smell that fills the kitchen while baking is simply irresistible!
Serving Suggestions
Once baked, let the manicotti cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for color and flavor.
Pair this dish with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that will impress your guests.
Easy Meat-Stuffed Manicotti Recipe
This recipe takes about 1 hour to prepare and bake, serving 4-6 people. The manicotti is filled with a rich mixture of ground beef, ricotta, and herbs, then baked until bubbly and golden.
Ingredients
- 12 manicotti pasta tubes
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese plus more for topping
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the manicotti in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. In a bowl, combine the cooked meat, ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the Manicotti: Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti tube with the meat and cheese mixture.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed manicotti in the dish and top with remaining marinara sauce. Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
Meat-Stuffed Manicotti Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 manicotti pasta tubes
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese plus more for topping
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the manicotti in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. In a bowl, combine the cooked meat, ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the Manicotti: Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti tube with the meat and cheese mixture.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed manicotti in the dish and top with remaining marinara sauce. Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
