Grandson'S Favorite Manicotti
A hearty, cheesy baked manicotti filled with savory meat and cheese mixture, topped with sauce and Parmesan, perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef with garlic powder in a skillet.
- Drain excess fat and let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and mayonnaise.
- Cook manicotti shells according to package directions, about 14 to 16 minutes.
- Drain shells and let cool on wax paper.
- Fill each shell with the meat and cheese mixture.
- Place filled shells in a 9 x 13-inch Pyrex dish and cover with spaghetti sauce.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and oregano over the top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider substituting sour cream for mayonnaise. If you prefer a lighter option, you can use ground turkey instead of beef. Add some chopped spinach to the cheese mixture for extra nutrition. When cooking the manicotti shells, be careful not to overcook them; they should be al dente to hold up well during baking. This dish pairs wonderfully with Chris' Spaghetti Sauce for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this manicotti with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A light, crisp green salad pairs well, enhancing the flavors of the dish. You can also serve it alongside Italian Style Brazzoli for a hearty feast. For a finishing touch, sprinkle some fresh basil over the top before serving to elevate the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandson'S Favorite Manicotti contains roughly 1088 calories, with 54g protein, 172g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (174% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (141% of the Daily Value), and calcium (120% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 875mg per serving (38% 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 prepare the manicotti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the manicotti up to the baking stage. Assemble the dish, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, you may need to increase the baking time slightly due to the cold temperature.
What can I use if I don't have manicotti shells?
If you don't have manicotti shells, you can use jumbo pasta shells or even lasagna noodles. If using lasagna noodles, simply cut them to size and roll them with the filling. This flexibility allows you to make a delicious dish using what you have on hand.
Can I freeze the manicotti?
Yes, this dish freezes well. After assembling, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and it can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
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).