Manicotti And Meat Balls
A hearty Italian casserole combining stuffed manicotti with flavorful meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions; each stick makes two.
- Cut the cooked lasagna noodles in half.
- Prepare the meat mixture by combining ground beef, 2 eggs, and bread slices, then form into meatballs.
- In a large skillet, cook the meatballs until browned and cooked through.
- In a saucepan, combine tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, oregano, and parsley flakes; simmer to make the sauce.
- Stuff the halved lasagna noodles with ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and herbs.
- Arrange the stuffed noodles in a baking dish, cover with meatballs and sauce.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. You can also substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if desired. If you have leftover bread, stale bread works well for the meatballs. For a quick sauce, try a jarred marinara instead of making it from scratch. This dish is a great way to use up extra lasagna noodles from other Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of manicotti. For a comforting option, consider serving it alongside Homemade Minestrone Soup. A sprinkle of fresh basil or extra Parmesan on top can enhance the dish before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Manicotti And Meat Balls contains roughly 700 calories, with 35g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (188% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (134% of the Daily Value), and calcium (124% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 38g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the manicotti and meatballs in advance. Assemble the dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of lasagna noodles?
If you don’t have lasagna noodles on hand, you can use large shells or even cannelloni tubes as alternatives. Just ensure they are cooked according to their package instructions before stuffing. This flexibility allows you to get creative with the pasta you have available.
Can I freeze the manicotti?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as instructed.
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).