Cheese Stuffed Manicotti in Meat Sauce
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheese Stuffed Manicotti in Meat Sauce recipe, a hearty Italian-inspired dish perfect for family dinners and special occasions. Velvety ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and savory Parmesan are combined with fresh parsley and an egg for a rich, creamy filling that’s carefully piped into tender manicotti shells. These stuffed shells are nestled in a robust, homemade meat sauce made with browned ground beef, sautéed onions, garlic, and a vibrant blend of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Topped with a golden layer of melted mozzarella, this baked pasta masterpiece is as impressive as it is delicious. Easy to make ahead and serve alongside garlic bread or a crisp green salad, it’s a one-pan wonder that turns weeknight dining into a feast!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 pieces Manicotti shells
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 1 medium, finely diced Yellow onion
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic cloves
- 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 15 ounces Ricotta cheese
- 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large Egg
- 2 tablespoons, chopped Fresh parsley
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the manicotti shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water, then set aside on a baking sheet to avoid sticking.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat.
Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to a simmer and let the sauce thicken slightly, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, and fresh parsley. Mix until well blended.
Using a small spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture.
Spread about 1 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells on top of the sauce in a single layer.
Pour the remaining meat sauce evenly over the manicotti. Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4903 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 233.3 g | 299% | |
| Saturated Fat | 105.9 g | 530% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1002 mg | 334% | |
| Sodium | 5560 mg | 242% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 449.4 g | 163% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 30.0 g | 107% | |
| Total Sugars | 43.3 g | ||
| Protein | 275.0 g | 550% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 4198 mg | 323% | |
| Iron | 25.4 mg | 141% | |
| Potassium | 4356 mg | 93% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
