Craving a comforting, delicious meal that doesn't require hours in the kitchen? Look no further! This easy manicotti recipe with meat is perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. It combines the rich flavors of a classic meat sauce with the satisfying texture of perfectly baked manicotti shells, all without the fuss of complicated techniques. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade cooking masterpiece – it’s one of the best recipes you'll find for a truly satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
This recipe makes enough for 6 servings.
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For the Filling:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other:
- 1 (12 ounce) package jumbo manicotti shells
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour for a richer flavor. Stir in parsley (if using) during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This is a great time to prep the other ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Step 3: Assemble the Manicotti
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Cook manicotti shells according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Fill each manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture and place them in the baking dish, seam-side down. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the manicotti.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the manicotti. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the manicotti is heated through. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly.
Tips for the Best Manicotti:
- For an even richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage.
- Don't overcook the manicotti shells. They should be al dente – slightly firm to the bite.
- If you’re short on time, use no-boil manicotti shells to skip the pre-cooking step. Adjust baking time as needed.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a touch of heat.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Manicotti: Omit the ground beef and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers to the sauce. You can also use a vegetarian meat substitute.
- Spinach and Ricotta Manicotti: Add a cup of chopped spinach to the ricotta filling. Squeeze out excess moisture from the spinach before adding it to the mixture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Protein: Approximately 25g
- Fat: Approximately 25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40g
This easy manicotti recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!