Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce has a special place in my heart, bringing back memories of Sunday dinners at my parents’ house. The aroma of simmering marinara, garlic, and savory Italian sausage would fill the entire kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to dive into a plate of those creamy, cheesy shells smothered in rich meat sauce. This Manicotti with meat sauce recipe is my attempt at recreating that magic, and I’m thrilled to share my Homemade stuffed manicotti meat sauce with you. It’s the perfect comfort food that’s surprisingly simple to whip up. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce
This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, and I know you’ll adore it for so many reasons. It’s the perfect blend of comforting flavors and satisfying textures that make any meal feel special.
- Incredible taste: Rich, savory meat sauce meets creamy, cheesy ricotta filling.
- Quick prep: Get this delicious Meat sauce manicotti bake ready in under 30 minutes of active prep.
- Budget-friendly: Uses common ingredients that are easy on the wallet.
- Family favorite: Kids and adults alike will devour this classic Italian comfort food.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable for different dietary needs or ingredient preferences.
- Impressive presentation: A beautiful Meat sauce manicotti bake that looks as good as it tastes.
- Satisfying & Hearty: It’s a filling meal that will leave everyone feeling content.
Ingredients for Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce
Gathering these ingredients is the first step to creating a truly memorable Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce. I find that using good quality ingredients really makes a difference in the final flavor, especially for the meat sauce itself.
- 12 pieces Manicotti Shells – cook these just until al dente so they don’t fall apart
- 15 oz Ricotta Cheese – whole milk ricotta gives the creamiest filling
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded – divided for filling and topping
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated – adds that salty, nutty Italian flavor
- 1 large Egg – helps bind the ricotta mixture together
- 1 tsp Basil, dried – for that classic Italian herb aroma
- 1 tsp Oregano, dried – another essential herb for the filling
- 1 lb Ground Beef – the base for our savory meat sauce
- 0.5 lb Italian Sausage – adds a fantastic depth of flavor and a little spice
- 1 medium Onion, chopped – about 1 cup, sautéed for sweetness
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced – essential for that pungent kick in the sauce
- 24 oz Marinara Sauce – a good quality jarred sauce saves time
- 1 tsp Salt – to season the ricotta filling
- 1 tsp Pepper – freshly ground is always best
How to Make Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce
Now for the fun part – assembling this delicious dish! This recipe breaks down how to stuff manicotti with meat sauce into simple steps, making it achievable even for beginner cooks. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen!
- Step 1: Get your oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s perfectly hot when your manicotti is ready to bake.
- Step 2: Cook the manicotti shells in a pot of generously salted boiling water. You want them just al dente, which usually takes about 6-7 minutes. They should still have a slight bite. Drain them carefully and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking and prevent sticking.
- Step 3: In a large skillet, brown the 1 lb Ground Beef and 0.5 lb Italian Sausage over medium-high heat. Add the 1 medium Onion, chopped with the meat and cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is soft and translucent, about 8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
- Step 4: Toss in the 2 cloves Garlic, minced and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Step 5: Pour in the 24 oz Marinara Sauce. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer gently for at least 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a truly Manicotti recipe meat sauce.
- Step 6: While the sauce simmers, prepare the creamy filling. In a medium bowl, combine the 15 oz Ricotta Cheese, half of the shredded 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, the 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese, 1 large Egg, 1 tsp Basil, 1 tsp Oregano, 1 tsp Salt, and 1 tsp Pepper. Mix it all up until it’s smooth and well combined.
- Step 7: Spread about half of your savory meat sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This creates a nice base for the manicotti.
- Step 8: Now it’s time to fill those shells! Spoon the ricotta mixture into each manicotti shell. I like to use a spoon or a piping bag for this, making it easier to get a good amount of filling into each one.
- Step 9: Arrange the filled manicotti shells seam-side down in the prepared baking dish, nestled into the meat sauce.
- Step 10: Spoon the remaining meat sauce over the tops of the manicotti. Sprinkle the reserved shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Step 11: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Step 12: Bake for 30 minutes. Then, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and perfectly golden brown.
- Step 13: Let your masterpiece rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy your amazing Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce!
Pro Tips for the Best Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that elevate this dish from good to absolutely spectacular. Follow these tips to ensure your Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce is a guaranteed hit every single time!
- Don’t overcook the manicotti shells; they should be al dente as they’ll continue to cook in the oven.
- Drain the meat sauce thoroughly after browning the beef and sausage to prevent a greasy finished dish.
- Using whole milk ricotta cheese makes a noticeable difference in the creaminess of the filling.
- Allow the dish to rest for at least 5 minutes after baking; this helps everything set up beautifully.
What’s the secret to perfect Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce?
The key is the balance of flavors and textures! A well-seasoned, slow-simmered meat sauce combined with a creamy, cheesy ricotta filling is perfection. For that ultimate creamy texture in your Ricotta stuffed manicotti meat sauce, ensure your ricotta is full-fat. For more tips on achieving perfect Italian dishes, check out this guide on Italian cooking tips.
Can I make Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This makes it an amazing option for busy weeknights or entertaining. You can assemble this Easy stuffed manicotti meat sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator, and just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce?
Avoid overcooking the pasta, as it will become mushy. Also, ensure you drain the fat from the meat mixture well to prevent a greasy sauce. Finally, don’t skip the resting time; it’s crucial for the dish to set properly.
Best Ways to Serve Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce
Serving this delightful dish is all about complementing its rich flavors and hearty nature. This Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce is a meal in itself, but a few thoughtful pairings can make it even more special.
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the manicotti.
- Crusty Italian bread or garlic bread is a must for soaking up every last bit of that delicious Hearty meat sauce for manicotti.
- Steamed or roasted green vegetables like broccoli or asparagus add a fresh, healthy element to the plate.
Nutrition Facts for Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving for this delicious Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that provides a good balance of macronutrients.
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
How to Store and Reheat Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce
Properly storing and reheating your delicious Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce is key to enjoying it later. I’ve found that the flavors often meld even more overnight, making leftovers just as good, if not better! For optimal stuffed pasta meat sauce storage, make sure the dish has cooled down slightly before packaging.
- Once baked, let the manicotti cool for about 15-20 minutes.
- Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- If you want to freeze your Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce for longer, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a microwave-safe dish at 50% power, checking frequently, or place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce
What is stuffed manicotti meat sauce?
Stuffed manicotti meat sauce refers to a classic Italian-American comfort food dish. It features large pasta tubes called manicotti, which are typically filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese, Parmesan, egg, and seasonings. These filled tubes are then baked in a rich, savory meat sauce made from ground beef or Italian sausage, tomatoes, and aromatics. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners.
Can I make Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Preparing this dish ahead of time is a lifesaver. You can assemble the manicotti, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from cold. This makes it a fantastic option for easy Manicotti meat sauce dinner ideas. For more make-ahead meal inspiration, check out these dinner recipes.
What kind of meat should I use for the meat sauce?
For the most flavorful meat sauce, I highly recommend using a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage. The Italian sausage, whether mild or hot, adds a wonderful depth of flavor and a hint of spice that complements the marinara beautifully. Using just ground beef works well too, but the sausage really takes it to the next level.
How do I prevent the manicotti from breaking when stuffing?
The trick to avoiding broken manicotti is to cook them just until al dente. They should still have a slight bite to them, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooking them in the boiling water makes them soft and fragile, making stuffing them a messy affair. Drain them carefully and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
Variations of Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce You Can Try
While this classic Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce is absolutely delicious as is, I love experimenting with different twists! Here are a few ideas to switch things up and create your own unique versions. You can easily make this a truly Cheesy stuffed manicotti meat sauce or adapt it for different needs.
- Vegetarian Manicotti: Swap the ground beef and Italian sausage for a mix of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach. This creates a wonderfully hearty and flavorful vegetarian option.
- Creamy Chicken Manicotti: Instead of meat sauce, create a creamy béchamel or Alfredo sauce to fill and top the manicotti. You can add shredded rotisserie chicken to the sauce for extra protein.
- Spicy Sausage Manicotti: Use hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to both the meat sauce and the ricotta filling for a kick. This makes for a wonderfully Flavorful stuffed manicotti meat sauce that’s perfect for those who love a little heat.
- No-Boil Manicotti: For an even easier version, try using no-boil manicotti shells. Simply place them raw into the baking dish, ensuring they are well-covered with sauce, and they will cook in the oven. For more pasta inspiration, explore these pasta recipes.
Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce: 1 Amazing Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover the comforting flavors of Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce, a cherished family favorite that’s easy to prepare and perfect for cozy dinners. This recipe features tender manicotti shells filled with a creamy ricotta mixture and topped with savory meat sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 pieces Manicotti Shells
- 15 oz Ricotta Cheese
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tsp Basil
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 0.5 lb Italian Sausage
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 24 oz Marinara Sauce
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook the manicotti shells in boiling salted water until al dente, about 6-7 minutes. Drain and cool them.
- Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a skillet with chopped onion for about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Combine ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until smooth.
- Spread half of the meat sauce in a baking dish.
- Fill the manicotti shells with the ricotta mixture.
- Arrange filled shells seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Top the manicotti with the remaining meat sauce and reserved mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve with fresh basil leaves for added flavor.
- Can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg