Comforting Stuffed Manicotti Recipe with Easy Meat Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This comforting stuffed manicotti recipe features tender pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta mixture and topped with a rich, easy meat sauce. Baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 manicotti shells
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the manicotti shells by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shells and cook until al dente, about 6-7 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Prepare the meat sauce by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Step 3: Make the filling by combining ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix until smooth and well combined.
4. Step 4: Fill the manicotti shells using a pastry bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off, piping the ricotta mixture inside each shell. Alternatively, carefully spoon the filling into each shell.
5. Step 5: Assemble the dish by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange filled manicotti in a single layer. Cover with the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella and extra Parmesan if desired.
6. Step 6: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Step 7: Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and make serving easier.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat sauce with sautéed mushrooms and spinach in marinara sauce.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter flavor, especially fresh basil and parsley.
• Make ahead by assembling the manicotti and refrigerating for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta filling for a subtle warm flavor.

Storage

Store leftover manicotti covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions. For longer storage, freeze baked manicotti in an airtight container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made pasta sauce instead of the meat sauce?

Yes, you can substitute with your favorite store-bought marinara or meat sauce for convenience. Just ensure it has enough flavor to complement the ricotta filling.

How do I prevent the manicotti shells from breaking while filling?

Cook the shells until just al dente and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Use a gentle hand when filling with a piping bag or spoon to avoid tearing.

Comforting Stuffed Manicotti Recipe with Easy Meat Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 63 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This comforting stuffed manicotti recipe features tender pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, baked to perfection under a flavorful homemade meat sauce. Ideal for a hearty family dinner, this Italian-inspired dish combines rich cheeses, savory ground beef or sausage, and aromatic herbs to create a satisfying and delicious meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Sauce

• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Ricotta Filling

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Pasta and Topping

• 12 manicotti shells
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Manicotti Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the manicotti shells and cook until al dente, about 6-7 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
4. Fill the Manicotti Shells: Using a pastry bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off, pipe the ricotta mixture into each manicotti shell. Alternatively, use a spoon to carefully fill them.
5. Assemble the Dish: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange filled manicotti in a single layer. Cover with remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella and extra Parmesan if desired.
6. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Let it Rest: Allow the baked manicotti to cool for about 5 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and ease serving.

Notes

• Use fresh parsley for the best flavor, but dried parsley works well in a pinch.
• For a spicier sauce, increase red pepper flakes to taste.
• Ricotta can be substituted with cottage cheese if desired, but texture will vary.
• Manicotti shells can be stuffed a day ahead then baked just before serving for convenience.
• Serve with a green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: stuffed manicotti, baked pasta, Italian comfort food, meat sauce pasta, ricotta filling