Craving a comforting, flavorful, and satisfying meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this incredible stuffed manicotti recipe! This classic Italian-American dish is packed with a rich meat filling, nestled in a creamy cheese sauce, and baked to golden perfection. It's the perfect dish for a family dinner, a special occasion, or even a cozy night in. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this delicious homemade creation. This recipe offers a delightful balance of easy recipes and healthy meals, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork (optional, for richer flavor)
- 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 Cheese Filling:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Assembly:
- 1 (15 ounce) package manicotti shells (jumbo size recommended)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Get started with the meat filling:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and pork (if using), and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in 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.
Prepare the cheese filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Assemble and bake the manicotti:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Fill each manicotti shell with a generous spoonful of the meat filling and a spoonful of the cheese filling.
- Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the manicotti.
- Sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the manicotti is heated through.
Tips for Success:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage.
- If your manicotti shells are smaller, you may need to adjust the filling quantities accordingly.
- Don't overfill the manicotti shells, as they may burst during baking.
- For a crispier top, broil the manicotti for the last few minutes of baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- 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:
- Vegetarian Manicotti: Replace the meat filling with a mixture of sauteed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers, combined with ricotta cheese and herbs.
- Spinach and Ricotta Manicotti: Simplify the recipe by omitting the meat filling altogether and focusing on a classic spinach and ricotta combination.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This recipe is a perfect example of delicious dishes that are simple to prepare. Enjoy this hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. It’s one of the best recipes for showcasing homemade cooking at its finest. This quick dinner idea is sure to become a family favorite!