Comforting Stuffed Manicotti Recipe with Easy Meat Sauce
Comforting Stuffed Manicotti Recipe with Easy Meat Sauce features tender pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta and topped with rich homemade meat sauce. This classic baked Italian dinner is hearty, cheesy, and perfect for family meals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Filling:
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other:
12 manicotti shells
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Extra grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Manicotti Shells:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add manicotti shells and cook until al dente, about 6–7 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add onion and garlic; cook about 3 minutes until softened.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Make the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Fill the Manicotti Shells:
Use a pastry bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to pipe the ricotta mixture into each shell. Alternatively, carefully spoon the filling inside.
Assemble the Dish:
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange filled manicotti in a single layer. Cover with remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella and additional Parmesan if desired.
Bake:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let It Rest:
Cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and make slicing easier.
Notes
Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
Add spinach to the ricotta mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
Assemble ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
