Lee'S Favorite Meaty Manicotti
A hearty, cheesy baked manicotti filled with seasoned meat and cheese, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Brown ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic together in a skillet. Spoon off excess fat.
- Stir in salt, oregano, parsley flakes, bread crumbs if used, and 1/4 cup of spaghetti sauce and grated Romano cheese. Cool slightly.
- Mix in diced mozzarella cheese and the beaten egg.
- Fill hot manicotti shells with the meat and cheese stuffing.
- Spread 1 cup of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a 12 x 7 inch ovenproof dish.
- Arrange the filled manicotti in the dish.
- Pour remaining sauce over the center third of the manicotti.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a touch of heat. If you don't have Romano cheese, Parmesan makes a great substitute. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, try filling the manicotti with ricotta and spinach instead.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Meaty Manicotti with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine pairs beautifully with this dish, enhancing the flavors of the beef and cheese. For a twist, consider serving it alongside a side of Italian Style Lasagne for a hearty feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, ensuring they're warmed evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lee'S Favorite Meaty Manicotti contains roughly 822 calories, with 31g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (71% of the Daily Value), protein (62% of the Daily Value), and calcium (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 932mg per serving (41% 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 in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the manicotti and fill the shells a day ahead. Just cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. You may need to adjust the baking time if they are cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of manicotti shells?
If you can't find manicotti shells, you can substitute with jumbo pasta shells or even lasagna noodles. Just ensure that the filling is tightly packed and adjust baking times as needed.
Can I freeze the meaty manicotti?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled manicotti before baking. Just cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake 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).