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Olivia

Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce: A Family Favorite Dish!

A delicious and hearty dish featuring large manicotti shells stuffed with a savory meat and cheese filling, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

  • 8 large manicotti shells
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish optional

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the manicotti shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and ground beef, cooking until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Stir in half of the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  5. Carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture using a spoon or a piping bag.
  6. Spread a thin layer of the remaining marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place the stuffed manicotti on top of the sauce in a single layer.
  7. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed manicotti, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
  8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  9. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1stuffed manicottiCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 30gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6g

Notes

  • For a healthier version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and use whole wheat manicotti shells.
  • Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the ricotta mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.

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