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The Best Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce

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A delightful stuffed manicotti recipe filled with creamy ricotta and savory ground beef, topped with rich marinara sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz manicotti pasta tubes (225g)
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20) (450g)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (15ml)
  • 0.5 cup yellow onion, diced (75g)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 oz tomato marinara sauce (680g)
  • 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese (425g)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (170g), divided
  • 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese (45g), divided
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (5g), divided
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper (2.5g), divided
  • 2 tbsp fresh green parsley, finely chopped (8g)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the manicotti and cook for about 6-8 minutes, just until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil, diced onions, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 7-9 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Mix up the filling: Remove the skillet from heat and let it cool slightly. In a large bowl, combine the beef mixture, ricotta cheese, beaten egg, 1 cup of mozzarella, 0.25 cup of parmesan, 0.5 tsp kosher salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Mix until well combined.
  5. Stuff the manicotti: Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each manicotti tube with the ricotta mixture.
  6. Prepare the sauce: Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a lightly greased baking dish (about 9×13 inches).
  7. Arrange the manicotti: Lay each stuffed manicotti on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara over the top and sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and parmesan on top.
  8. Bake it up: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
  9. Garnish & serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the fresh parsley on top. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Feel free to experiment with filling ingredients for a personal twist on this classic dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed manicotti, pasta, Italian recipes, meat sauce

Find it online: https://peakplatter.com/best-stuffed-manicotti-meat-sauce/