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Manicotti Recipe With Meat

Tender pasta tubes filled with a savory beef and ricotta mixture, smothered in rich marinara sauce and topped with bubbling cheese.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 12 manicotti shells
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large baking dish
  • Sauté pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook manicotti shells until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water, then set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  3. Heat a sauté pan over medium heat and brown 1 lb ground beef until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine the browned beef with 15 oz ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
  5. Season the mixture with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly combined.
  6. Fill each manicotti shell with the meat and cheese mixture using a spoon or pastry bag.
  7. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a large baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish, then pour the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining shredded mozzarella.
  8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Notes

For a golden top, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown.