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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
