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Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce

Irresistible Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce Comfort Dinner

This Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce recipe combines cheesy goodness with comforting flavors, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 440

Ingredients
  

For the Manicotti
  • 12 pieces Manicotti Shells Use gluten-free pasta if preferred.
For the Cheese Filling
  • 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese Substitute with mascarpone or cottage cheese if desired.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Consider low-fat cheese for a lighter option.
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese Can be swapped with Pecorino Romano.
For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Ground turkey or chicken can be used.
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes Choose homemade or canned.
  • 1 medium Onion Diced.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning Fresh herbs like basil and oregano can be added.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Equipment

  • skillet
  • Large pot
  • Baking Dish
  • mixing bowl
  • colander

Method
 

Sauce Preparation
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté one diced onion and three minced garlic cloves in a drizzle of olive oil for about 3–4 minutes until they become translucent. Add 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned, approximately 5–7 minutes. Stir in 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes and 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, then let the sauce simmer for 20–30 minutes until it thickens and flavors meld.
Filling Preparation
  1. While the sauce simmers, mix together 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and ½ cup of grated Parmesan in a medium bowl. Add freshly chopped herbs and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Combine everything well until it's smooth and creamy.
Cooking Manicotti Shells
  1. In a large pot, boil water with a pinch of salt and carefully add the manicotti shells. Cook them for 7–9 minutes until they are al dente. Drain the shells gently in a colander and let them cool slightly.
Stuffing Manicotti
  1. Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture, being mindful to avoid overfilling. Place the stuffed shells in a large baking dish, lined with a thin layer of the meat sauce.
Dish Assembly
  1. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the stuffed manicotti in the baking dish. Sprinkle an extra 1 cup of mozzarella and a bit more Parmesan on top.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40–45 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to bubble and turn golden brown.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 440kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 26gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Make ahead of time to allow flavors to meld and bake when ready. Monitor baking closely for the best results.

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