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Cheesy Stuffed Manicotti with Flavorful Meat Sauce

Cheesy Stuffed Manicotti with Flavorful Meat Sauce Bliss

Delight in Cheesy Stuffed Manicotti with Flavorful Meat Sauce, a heartwarming Italian classic perfect for busy nights or special gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 Manicotti Shells Prepackaged shells save time and ensure even cooking.
For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Swap for lean turkey for a lighter option.
  • 1 lb Italian Sausage Ground turkey sausage can be used for a leaner variation.
  • 1 Onion Adds sweetness and aroma.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic delivers the best taste.
  • 24 oz Marinara Sauce Jarred or homemade varieties work beautifully.
For the Filling
  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese Creates a creamy filling.
  • 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese Offers gooey, melty goodness.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
  • 1 Egg Binds the filling.
  • 1 tbsp Basil Fresh herbs elevate the flavor profile.
  • 1 tbsp Oregano Fresh herbs elevate the flavor profile.
Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Salt Essential for seasoning.
  • 1 tsp Pepper Essential for seasoning.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • large skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • 9x13-inch baking dish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring salted water to a rolling boil, carefully add the manicotti shells and boil for 6-7 minutes.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the ground beef and Italian sausage with chopped onion until browned.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan, egg, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  6. Spread half of the cooked meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish and fill each manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture.
  7. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the stuffed manicotti and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  8. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
  9. Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Drain the ricotta cheese to maintain a creamy texture and adjust seasoning in your meat sauce before assembling.

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