Craving a comforting, flavorful, and satisfying meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this meat manicotti recipe! This classic Italian-American dish combines tender pasta shells brimming with a rich meat and ricotta filling, smothered in a luscious tomato sauce, and baked to golden perfection. It's the perfect dish for a family dinner, a cozy night in, or impressing guests with your homemade cooking skills. Get ready to dive into this delicious recipe, perfect for quick dinner ideas and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Ricotta Filling:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Other Ingredients:
- 1 (15 ounce) package jumbo manicotti shells
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Prepare the Meat Filling:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly. This step builds the flavor foundation of your delicious dish!
Prepare the Ricotta Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is thoroughly incorporated.
Assemble and Bake the Manicotti:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the manicotti shells according to package directions. Don't overcook them; they should be al dente.
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Fill each manicotti shell with the ricotta cheese mixture. A piping bag or a ziplock bag with a corner snipped off makes this easier.
- Arrange the filled manicotti shells in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the remaining meat sauce over the manicotti.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
Tips for the Best Meat Manicotti:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and pork.
- Don't overfill the manicotti shells, or they might burst during baking.
- If you don't have fresh parsley, you can substitute dried parsley. Just use about 1 tablespoon.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground meat with lentils or mushrooms.
- Let the manicotti rest for 10-15 minutes after baking before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to serve.
Variations:
- Spinach and Ricotta Manicotti: Add a cup of chopped fresh spinach to the ricotta filling.
- Spicy Manicotti: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
- Cheese Manicotti: Omit the meat filling and double the ricotta filling for a vegetarian option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Use a nutrition calculator for a precise analysis based on your ingredient choices. However, expect a serving to be relatively high in calories, fat, and protein, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
This meat manicotti recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible, and the ease of preparation makes it a perfect weeknight dinner solution. Enjoy!