Here’s a classic and hearty recipe for Stuffed Manicotti, packed with rich flavors of savory meat, spinach, and gooey cheese – all baked to perfection in a luscious tomato sauce. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or special gathering, offering comfort and satisfaction in every bite!
🍝 Introduction
Stuffed Manicotti is an Italian comfort food that never goes out of style. Manicotti pasta tubes are filled with a savory blend of ground beef, spinach, ricotta, and mozzarella cheeses, then smothered in a rich tomato sauce and baked until golden and bubbling. It’s a wonderful, filling meal that combines all the flavors you love in lasagna, but in an easy-to-make, family-friendly format.
🧑🍳 Ingredients
- 12 manicotti pasta shells
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the manicotti pasta shells according to package instructions, drain, and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the filling: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned and crumbled. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Once the meat is fully cooked, stir in the chopped spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until wilted. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Mix the cheese filling: In a bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Add the cooked beef and spinach mixture to the bowl and mix until fully incorporated.
- Stuff the manicotti: Carefully stuff each cooked manicotti shell with the cheese and meat filling. You can use a spoon or your hands to stuff the pasta.
- Assemble the dish: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place the stuffed manicotti shells in the dish, arranging them in a single layer. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top of the manicotti and sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley (optional) and serve hot. Enjoy!
💡 Tips
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a mix of sautéed mushrooms and zucchini.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the manicotti and freeze it before baking. Just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal!
Enjoy this delicious and comforting dish of Stuffed Manicotti with your loved ones! It’s the ultimate family-friendly dinner.