Description
This classic Italian Beef and Cheese Manicotti is packed with three cheeses, two meats, and rich marinara sauce, making it the ultimate comfort food! A deliciously satisfying homemade recipe for family dinners.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pasta & Sauce:
- 14 manicotti pasta shells (8 oz package)
- 3 cups spaghetti marinara sauce
- 2 tbsp butter, cut into pieces
Filling:
- 4 tsp olive oil, divided
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
- 3 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (divided)
- 1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
-
Cook the Meat Mixture:
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tsp olive oil.
- Add onion, garlic, ground beef, and ground pork. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for about 5 minutes until browned. Remove from heat and let cool.
-
Cook the Manicotti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the manicotti for 6 minutes, then drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Let cool.
-
Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, 2 cups mozzarella, ยฝ cup Parmesan, parsley, and nutmeg.
- Stir in the cooled meat mixture until well combined.
-
Assemble the Manicotti:
- Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Drizzle 2 tsp olive oil into a 13ร9 baking dish. Spread 1 ยฝ cups marinara sauce over the bottom.
- Fill each manicotti shell using a piping bag (or a Ziploc with the corner cut off) or carefully spoon in the filling.
- Arrange the stuffed pasta in a single layer in the dish. Pour remaining sauce on top.
- Sprinkle remaining 1 ยฝ cups mozzarella and ยฝ cup Parmesan cheese over the top. Evenly distribute butter pieces.
-
Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with garlic bread and a fresh green salad.
- Freezing Tip: Freeze assembled (unbaked) manicotti for up to 3 months, then bake from frozen at 375ยฐF for 45-50 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed manicotti
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg