Beef Manicotti
Creamy beef stuffed pasta baked with cheese and tomato sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or entertaining guests with rich flavors and hearty textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook manicotti as directed; drain and place on foil in a single layer.
- Cook and drain ground beef.
- Mix cooked beef with ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, eggs, crackers, and tomato sauce.
- Stuff the cooked manicotti shells with the beef mixture.
- Place stuffed pasta in a single layer in a baking dish.
- Spoon 1/2 cup tomato sauce over the top of the pasta.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, try adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream to the beef mixture. If you don't have manicotti shells, jumbo pasta shells can be a great substitute. To enhance the flavor, consider adding some Italian herbs like oregano or basil to the filling. For a healthier twist, you can use ground turkey instead of beef.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Beef Manicotti with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A light Italian vinaigrette complements the flavors beautifully. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with Italian Meat Casserole or a side of steamed vegetables. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or as a comforting weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out, and bake for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Manicotti contains roughly 831 calories, with 38g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (77% of the Daily Value), calcium (67% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 987mg per serving (43% 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 Beef Manicotti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Assemble the manicotti and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta on hand, mascarpone or cottage cheese can be used as alternatives. They provide a similar creamy texture, though the flavor may vary slightly. You can blend cottage cheese for a smoother consistency.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of Beef Manicotti, simply replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini. You can also add some cooked lentils for added protein and texture.
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).