Cheesy Stuffed Manicotti with Flavorful Meat Sauce Recipe
This Cheesy Stuffed Manicotti features tender pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta and cheese mixture, smothered in a flavorful meat sauce, and baked to bubbly perfection for a comforting Italian-inspired meal.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 package Manicotti Shells (Use prepackaged shells for ultimate convenience)
- 1 lb Ground Beef (Adds richness and protein)
- 1 lb Italian Sausage (Enhances flavor with spices)
- 1 medium Onion (Provides sweetness and aroma)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Always opt for fresh garlic)
- 24 oz Marinara Sauce (Any jarred or homemade variety works)
- 15 oz Ricotta Cheese (The heart of creamy filling)
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (Provides melty goodness)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated is best for even melting)
- 1 large Egg (Binds the filling together)
- 1 tbsp Basil (Imparts authentic Italian flavor)
- 1 tbsp Oregano (Fresh herbs are more potent)
- to taste Salt (Essential for flavor enhancement)
- to taste Pepper (Essential for flavor enhancement)
Instructions
- Step-by-Step Instructions Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring salted water to a boil and cook manicotti shells for 6-7 minutes. Drain and cool.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and sausage with onion until browned. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, parmesan, egg, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth.
- Spread half of the meat sauce in a baking dish. Fill manicotti shells with ricotta mixture and place in the dish. Top with remaining meat sauce.
- Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use prepackaged manicotti shells for ultimate convenience.
- Fresh garlic is recommended for best flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese is best for even melting.
- Letting the dish rest for 5 minutes enhances flavor and texture before serving.
Keywords: Cheesy Manicotti, Stuffed Pasta Recipe, Italian Baked Pasta, Manicotti with Meat Sauce, Comfort Food Pasta
