Hearty Manicotti
Hearty manicotti features tender pasta shells filled with a rich blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley, layered with savory sausage and beef meat sauce. Baked to perfection, this comforting dish offers a delightful mix of cheesy, meaty flavors, ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the sausage and ground beef until browned.
- Add the diced onion, tomato puree, tomato paste, sugar, pepper, basil, and salt to the meat mixture. Simmer until flavors meld.
- Cook the manicotti shells according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Mix together the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
- Stuff the cheese mixture into the cooked manicotti shells.
- Spread some of the meat sauce into a baking pan.
- Arrange the stuffed shells on top of the meat sauce.
- Pour the remaining meat sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Preheat oven to 325°F and bake for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using turkey sausage instead of Italian sweet sausage. You can also replace half of the ricotta with cottage cheese for a different texture. Adding fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the cheese filling can enhance the flavor and nutrition. Remember to taste the meat sauce before assembling to adjust seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
Hearty manicotti is best served with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top adds a nice touch. For a heartier option, pair it with Italian Beef Casserole or a side of Fagioli to complement the flavors.
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 325°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Manicotti contains roughly 1029 calories, with 96g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (331% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (212% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1975mg per serving (86% 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 the manicotti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Assemble the stuffed shells and meat sauce in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for Ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth or a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream for a similar creamy texture. However, keep in mind that the flavor might slightly differ.
Can I freeze the manicotti?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled manicotti before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
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).