Ham-Stuffed Manicotti
Ham-stuffed manicotti features tender pasta filled with savory ham and cheese, topped with herbs, perfect for a hearty, cheesy Italian-inspired meal served with a fresh salad.
Ingredients
- 8 manicotti shells ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil ⓘ
- 3 cups ground fully cooked ham ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
- paprika ⓘ
- chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the manicotti shells according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat and sauté chopped onion until translucent.
- Add ground cooked ham and drained sliced mushrooms to the skillet; cook until heated through.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ham mixture with 1/2 cup of shredded Swiss cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Stuff each cooked manicotti shell with the ham and cheese mixture carefully.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then stir in flour to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until the sauce thickens.
- Pour the sauce over the stuffed manicotti in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining Swiss cheese on top, along with chopped green pepper and paprika.
- Bake uncovered for approximately 25-30 minutes until bubbling and golden.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a bit of ricotta cheese to the ham mixture. If you're short on time, pre-cooked or leftover ham works perfectly. You can also substitute Swiss cheese with mozzarella or provolone for a different flavor. If you have fresh herbs on hand, add some chopped basil or oregano for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the ham-stuffed manicotti with a side salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal. A light tomato sauce can also complement the dish well. For a delightful pairing, try it with Venetian Cookies for dessert or browse more Italian recipes to complete your dinner theme.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover manicotti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham-Stuffed Manicotti contains roughly 2270 calories, with 50g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 197g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (115% of the Daily Value), protein (99% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (63% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 531mg per serving (23% 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 use uncooked manicotti shells for this recipe?
Yes, you can use uncooked manicotti shells, but you will need to adjust the baking time. Make sure to cover the dish with foil to help cook the shells through while preventing the top from burning.
What can I substitute for the ham in this recipe?
For a vegetarian option, you can replace the ham with sautéed vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. You could also use a meat substitute like crumbled tofu or tempeh for a different flavor and texture.
Is there a specific type of cheese that works best?
While Swiss cheese is traditional for this recipe, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or a sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor. Mixing different cheeses can also give a unique and delicious twist to the dish.
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).