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Meat Stuffed Manicotti Bake

Manicotti shells stuffed with seasoned ground beef, ricotta, and mozzarella, baked in marinara sauce under a layer of bubbly melted cheese for a hearty family dinner.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz manicotti shells approximately 12 to 14 shells
  • 1 lb lean ground beef or a mix of beef and Italian sausage
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese one standard container
  • 2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided; 1 cup for filling, 1 cup for topping
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 24 oz marinara or spaghetti sauce one standard jar

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • large skillet
  • large mixing bowl
  • aluminum foil
  • Gallon zip-top bag (for piping filling)

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. Cook the manicotti shells in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions, removing them 2 minutes before the recommended time. They should be al dente and slightly firm. Drain, rinse with cold water, and lay out on a lightly oiled surface to prevent sticking.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion, breaking the meat into small pieces, until no longer pink. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Drain any excess grease and let the mixture cool for 5 to 10 minutes.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled meat mixture, ricotta, 1 cup of the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully combined into a thick, cohesive filling.
  5. Transfer the filling to a gallon-sized zip-top bag and snip one corner off. Pipe the filling into both ends of each manicotti shell until full. Alternatively, use a small spoon to fill the shells from both ends.
  6. Spread about 1 cup of the marinara across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer over the sauce.
  7. Pour the remaining marinara over the shells, ensuring every shell is fully covered. Scatter the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella evenly over the top.
  8. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.

Notes

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat covered at 325°F for 20 minutes or microwave on medium power with a damp paper towel over the top. Freezing: Assemble fully but do not bake. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Make-ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add 10 minutes to the covered bake time. Substitutions: Add 1 cup of chopped cooked spinach (squeezed dry) to the filling for extra nutrition. Use hot Italian sausage for a spicy version.