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Easy Manicotti Recipe with Meat Recipe

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3.9 from 7 reviews

This Easy Manicotti Recipe with Meat features tender pasta shells stuffed with a savory blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and seasoned ground beef. Baked in rich marinara sauce until bubbly and golden, this classic Italian-American dish is perfect for a hearty family dinner and serves seven.

Ingredients

Meat Sauce and Filling

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Pasta and Sauce

  • 8 oz manicotti pasta (approximately 14 pieces)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or non-stick cooking spray
  • 28 oz jar marinara sauce (e.g., Rao's)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Cook Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Cook Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with the softened onions. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until the beef is no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease as needed.
  3. Season Meat: Season the cooked meat mixture with 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper. Stir well and set aside to cool.
  4. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 2 cups shredded mozzarella, ½ cup grated Parmesan, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Mix until fully blended.
  5. Combine Meat and Cheese: Stir the cooled seasoned meat mixture into the cheese mixture until evenly incorporated.
  6. Cook Manicotti Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the manicotti pasta and cook for 3-4 minutes, just until they start to soften but are still firm. Drain carefully with a slotted spoon and place on a large baking sheet lightly coated with olive oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Let cool.
  7. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush a large baking dish with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking.
  8. Layer Sauce: Spoon about half of the marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  9. Stuff Manicotti: Carefully fill each manicotti shell with the meat and cheese filling mixture. Arrange the stuffed manicotti in a single layer on top of the sauce in the baking dish.
  10. Add Remaining Sauce and Cheese: Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed manicotti. Sprinkle with 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese.
  11. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly, the pasta is heated through, and the cheese topping is melted and lightly golden.

Notes

  • Be careful not to overcook the manicotti pasta during boiling; they should be slightly firm as they will finish cooking in the oven.
  • If preferred, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner filling option.
  • Use a high-quality marinara sauce like Rao's for the best flavor.
  • Preparing the filling mixture and meat ahead of time helps with quick assembly before baking.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Find it online: https://cookedbygrace.com/easy-manicotti-recipe-with-meat-recipe/