Christmas Vacation Manicotti Casserole
Bring the magic of the holiday season to your table with this indulgent Christmas Vacation Manicotti Casserole! This hearty baked dish layers delicate manicotti shells stuffed with a creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan filling, all smothered in a rich, homemade meat sauce featuring ground beef, Italian sausage, and aromatic garlic and onion. Topped with bubbling melted mozzarella, this crowd-pleaser is perfect for festive gatherings or cozy family dinners. With its comforting flavors, Italian-inspired ingredients, and make-ahead convenience, this casserole is sure to be the star of your holiday feast. Serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a memorable seasonal meal!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 pieces manicotti shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 0.5 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 3 pieces garlic cloves
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 pieces large eggs
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with a light coating of olive oil.
Cook the manicotti shells according to package instructions, making sure to leave them slightly undercooked as they will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking up any clumps. Drain any excess grease.
Stir the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the skillet with the meat. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, large eggs, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix until smooth and well combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, if desired.
Using a small spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture. Place the filled shells in a single layer in the prepared casserole dish.
Pour the meat sauce evenly over the filled shells, making sure they are fully covered. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1014 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 57.8 g | 74% | |
| Saturated Fat | 26.6 g | 133% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 228 mg | 76% | |
| Sodium | 1264 mg | 55% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 65.5 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.6 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.7 g | ||
| Protein | 57.3 g | 115% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 723 mg | 56% | |
| Iron | 4.6 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 873 mg | 19% | |
*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.
