Manicotti Recipe with Meat
Manicotti Recipe with Meat
Table of Contents
Manicotti Recipe with Meat
This hearty and flavorful manicotti recipe with meat is a perfect dinner for any occasion. Tender pasta tubes are stuffed with a delicious mixture of ground beef, ricotta cheese, and herbs, topped with rich marinara sauce, and baked until golden and bubbly. This classic Italian dish will impress your family and friends with its comforting flavors and satisfying texture. It’s an easy recipe for busy weeknights or special gatherings, and it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Description
If you’re searching for the perfect manicotti recipe with meat, look no further. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser that combines tender manicotti shells, savory ground beef, creamy ricotta cheese, and the perfect balance of seasonings. Manicotti is a classic Italian American dish that’s both comforting and delicious. With the right balance of meat, cheese, and marinara sauce, this dish offers a satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
The key to a fantastic manicotti recipe with meat is the filling. Ground beef is browned and mixed with ricotta, Parmesan cheese, spinach, and herbs to create a flavorful and hearty stuffing. The stuffed pasta tubes are then placed in a baking dish, covered in marinara sauce, and baked to perfection. The combination of melted cheese and seasoned beef inside the pasta makes each bite an indulgent treat.
This manicotti recipe is not only perfect for family dinners, but it also works great for special occasions like holidays and gatherings. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making it a great option for busy cooks. You can also customize the filling by adding sautéed onions, garlic, or even ground turkey for a lighter option. Whether you’re cooking for a small group or feeding a crowd, this recipe is sure to please.
Another great feature of this recipe is that it can be easily adapted for dietary preferences. For a vegetarian version, simply swap out the meat for additional vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, or you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free manicotti shells. No matter how you modify it, this recipe delivers amazing flavor and satisfaction in every bite.
One of the reasons manicotti is so loved is that it’s versatile. Whether you’re serving it as the main course or as part of a larger meal, this recipe can be paired with a variety of sides, from garlic bread to a fresh garden salad. The rich tomato sauce and melted cheese complement nearly any side dish, making this an incredibly well rounded meal.
The recipe is also easy to store and reheat, making it perfect for meal prep. You can freeze individual portions or the entire dish for later, so you’ll always have a comforting meal ready to go. Just reheat in the oven or microwave, and you’ll have a hot and tasty meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 12 manicotti pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light layer of olive oil.
- Prepare the pasta: Cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set them aside to cool slightly. Be careful not to overcook them as they will bake further in the oven.
- Cook the meat: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and basil. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat.
- Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, spinach, and egg. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Stuff the pasta: Carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the meat and cheese filling. Place the filled shells in the prepared baking dish.
- Add the sauce: Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed manicotti shells. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the manicotti sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
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Manicotti Recipe with Meat
Ingredients
- 12 manicotti pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 15 oz container ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 2 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light layer of olive oil.
- Prepare the pasta: Cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set them aside to cool slightly. Be careful not to overcook them as they will bake further in the oven.
- Cook the meat: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and basil. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat.
- Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, spinach, and egg. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Stuff the pasta: Carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the meat and cheese filling. Place the filled shells in the prepared baking dish.
- Add the sauce: Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed manicotti shells. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the manicotti sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Freezing: This manicotti recipe can be prepared ahead of time and frozen for later. Simply assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as instructed.
- Meat Options: You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even pork for the ground beef for a lighter version.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian manicotti, you can replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little extra heat.
