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Comforting Stuffed Manicotti Recipe with Easy Meat Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 80 reviews

This Comforting Stuffed Manicotti recipe features tender pasta tubes filled with a creamy ricotta and cheese mixture, smothered in a flavorful homemade meat sauce, and baked to bubbly perfection. Ideal for a family dinner, this classic Italian-American dish combines hearty ground beef or sausage with aromatic herbs and cheeses for a satisfying 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

Cheese 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

Other Ingredients

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

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 the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the 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 mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  4. Fill the manicotti shells: Use a pastry bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to pipe the ricotta mixture into each manicotti shell. If you don’t have a bag, carefully use a spoon to fill them.
  5. Assemble the dish: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce onto the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange the filled manicotti shells in a single layer. Cover with the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and additional Parmesan, if desired.
  6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Let it rest: Allow the dish to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to serve.

Notes

  • For a spicier meat sauce, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
  • You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner meat option.
  • Fresh parsley adds more vibrant flavor, but dried parsley works well too.
  • If desired, add spinach or other greens to the cheese filling for extra nutrition.
  • Make sure not to overcook the manicotti shells to prevent cracking when filling.
  • Covering the baking dish with foil during most of the baking helps keep the pasta moist.

Keywords: stuffed manicotti, manicotti recipe, meat sauce, Italian pasta bake, cheesy pasta dish, baked pasta recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://lieblingsmahlzeit.com/comforting-stuffed-manicotti-recipe-with-easy-meat-sauce-recipe/