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–+ servings
Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce

Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce - A Cozy Dinner Classic

Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce delivers Italian comfort food with creamy ricotta and robust meat sauce, perfect for family gatherings or busy dinners.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 pieces Manicotti Shells Cook al dente for best texture.
For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option.
  • 1 pound Italian Sausage Swap for vegetarian sausage for meatless version.
  • 1 medium Onion Use shallots for a sweeter taste if preferred.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Adjust according to your love for garlic.
  • 24 ounces Marinara Sauce Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought.
For the Filling
  • 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese Drained well for better consistency.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Plus extra for topping.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Pecorino Romano can be used as an alternative.
  • 1 large Egg Can substitute with a flaxseed egg for vegan.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Use fresh for best flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Adjust to preference.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust according to taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust according to taste.

Equipment

  • Baking dish
  • Large pot
  • skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and gather your ingredients.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook manicotti shells for 6-7 minutes, then drain.
  3. In a skillet, brown ground beef and Italian sausage for about 8 minutes, then add onion and cook until softened.
  4. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, then stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, parmesan, egg, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  6. Spread half of the meat sauce in a baking dish, fill manicotti with cheese mixture, and arrange in dish.
  7. Pour remaining meat sauce over filled shells and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
  8. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
  9. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This dish is make-ahead friendly and freezer safe for simple meal prep.

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