60 Minute Manicotti
A hearty and cheesy manicotti dish featuring seasoned ground beef, mushrooms, and a rich tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
- Add the can of mushrooms and the jar of spaghetti sauce. Simmer the mixture while preparing the noodles.
- Cook the manicotti noodles according to the package directions.
- Drain the cooked noodles and let them cool slightly.
- In a bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the shredded mozzarella, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, softened butter, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the cooked manicotti shells with the cheese mixture.
- Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish, spoon the meat sauce over the top, and bake until bubbly and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing some garlic and onions with the ground beef. You can substitute ground turkey or sausage for the beef if you prefer. If you don't have manicotti noodles, jumbo pasta shells work well too. To enhance the cheese filling, try adding some spinach or herbs like basil or oregano. For a lighter version, use low-fat cheese and reduce the butter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the manicotti hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. It pairs beautifully with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For a cozy dinner, consider serving it alongside Italian Vegetable Soup (Slow-Cooker) to complement the flavors. A glass of red wine also makes a nice pairing.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover manicotti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, depending on your microwave's wattage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 60 Minute Manicotti contains roughly 795 calories, with 34g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (68% of the Daily Value), calcium (59% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1084mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make manicotti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare manicotti in advance. Assemble the dish without baking it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, and then bake as directed.
What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If you don't have cottage cheese, ricotta cheese is a great substitute and will provide a similar texture. You can also use a blend of cream cheese and a little milk to achieve a creamy filling. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly to maintain flavor balance.
Can I freeze leftover manicotti?
Absolutely! You can freeze leftover manicotti after baking. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).