Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce is a classic Italian dish that combines hearty pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese filling. This dish is the perfect comfort food for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings. The tender manicotti shells are filled with a delicious mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, then smothered in a rich, homemade meat sauce and baked to perfection. It’s a warm, satisfying meal that everyone will love!
1. Why Choose Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce?
Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce is a great choice for many reasons:
Comforting and Hearty
Manicotti is the ultimate comfort food. The combination of pasta, cheese, and rich meat sauce makes it a filling meal that satisfies both hunger and cravings. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or when you’re hosting guests.
Versatile
This dish is versatile—you can easily modify it to suit dietary preferences. For a vegetarian version, simply skip the meat sauce and use a marinara or roasted vegetable sauce instead. You can also make it ahead of time for easy meal prep and freeze it for later.
Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly
Stuffed manicotti can be assembled a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, or frozen for future meals. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or for busy weeknights when you want a homemade dinner without all the last-minute effort.
2. Ingredients for Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce
This dish requires just a few basic ingredients, but they come together to create a flavorful, hearty meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for richer flavor)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For the Manicotti:
- 12 manicotti shells (uncooked)
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg (for binding the filling)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish)
For Assembling:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
3. How to Make Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce
Making Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce is easy and comes together in a few steps. Follow these instructions for a perfect dish:
- Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. - Cook the Manicotti Shells
While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions, usually for about 8-10 minutes. Drain the shells and set them aside to cool. Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it can break while stuffing. - Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, oregano, garlic powder, and salt. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined. - Stuff the Manicotti
Once the pasta shells have cooled slightly, use a spoon to carefully stuff each shell with the cheese mixture. Be gentle to avoid tearing the shells. - Assemble the Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Place the stuffed manicotti shells in the dish in a single layer. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure each shell is covered with sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. - Bake the Manicotti
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the sauce is hot. Let the manicotti rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color.
4. Why This Dish is Perfect for Family Meals
Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce is an ideal dish for family meals and gatherings:
Hearty and Filling
With layers of cheese and rich meat sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy even the biggest appetites. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a treat and is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers.
Easy to Customize
You can easily adapt the recipe to suit different tastes. For instance, use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or swap the meat sauce for a marinara sauce if you prefer a vegetarian option. It’s a flexible dish that works well for everyone.
Make-Ahead Option
Stuffed manicotti is an excellent make-ahead meal. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it for future use—just bake it from frozen or allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
5. Serving Suggestions for Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce
Pairing this stuffed manicotti with complementary sides makes for a complete, well-rounded meal. Here are a few ideas:
Garlic Bread or Crusty Italian Bread
Nothing goes better with pasta than freshly baked garlic bread or a thick slice of crusty Italian bread. Use it to mop up the extra sauce from your plate!
Green Salad
A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stuffed manicotti. You can also add sliced tomatoes, cucumber, or olives for extra flavor.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant pair beautifully with stuffed manicotti. Their caramelized sweetness balances the savory flavors of the pasta.
Sautéed Spinach
Sautéed spinach or another leafy green adds color, flavor, and nutrition to your meal. Toss it with garlic and olive oil for a simple yet tasty side dish.
6. Storage and Reheating
Leftovers from Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce can be easily stored and enjoyed later.
Storing Leftovers
Allow the stuffed manicotti to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also store the sauce and pasta separately if desired.
Freezing
Stuffed manicotti freezes well. To freeze, prepare the dish and cover it tightly with foil. Place it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the manicotti with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use gluten-free pasta for this dish?
Yes! You can use gluten-free manicotti shells or any other gluten-free pasta. Be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking the gluten-free pasta, as cooking times may differ.
2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by swapping out the meat sauce for marinara sauce or a vegetable-based sauce. You could also add roasted vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers to the filling for extra flavor.
3. Can I use a different cheese in the filling?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different cheese, you can substitute ricotta with mascarpone, cottage cheese, or even cream cheese for a richer filling. You can also use vegan cheeses if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
4. How can I make this dish spicier?
To make the dish spicier, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or sprinkle some into the cheese filling. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for an extra kick.
5. How do I prevent the manicotti shells from breaking?
To prevent the shells from breaking, make sure you don’t overcook them. Follow the package instructions carefully, and make sure to handle them gently while stuffing.
6. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making my own meat sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought marinara or meat sauce if you’re short on time. Just heat it up before pouring over the stuffed manicotti and baking.
7. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cheese filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Stuff the manicotti shells when you’re ready to assemble and bake.
8. How do I know when the manicotti is fully cooked?
The manicotti is done when the pasta is tender, the cheese filling is hot and melted, and the sauce is bubbling. The top layer of cheese should also be golden and slightly crispy.
9. Can I freeze stuffed manicotti?
Yes, stuffed manicotti freezes beautifully. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze it. When ready to cook, bake from frozen or thaw in the fridge overnight.
10. What can I serve with stuffed manicotti?
In addition to garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables, you could also serve this dish with sautéed greens like spinach or kale for a well-rounded meal.