Manicotti Cheese Bake
Creamy cheese-stuffed manicotti baked with savory meat sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners and cheese lovers alike with rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup minced onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 8 to 9 manicotti shells ⓘ
- 2 cups Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute ground beef, minced onion, and chopped green pepper until meat is browned and vegetables are tender.
- Drain off excess fat.
- Add tomato paste, water, salt, pepper, sugar, and Italian seasoning to the meat mixture.
- Simmer the sauce for 15 minutes.
- Parboil manicotti shells in salted water for approximately 6 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
- Mix Ricotta or cottage cheese, shredded Mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley.
- Fill each shell with the cheese mixture.
- Place filled shells in a shallow baking dish.
- Pour the meat sauce over the shells.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 to 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can use ground turkey or sausage instead of ground beef. If you're out of manicotti shells, jumbo pasta shells work as a great substitute. Feel free to add chopped spinach or mushrooms to the cheese mixture for extra nutrition. Make sure to salt the water well when parboiling the shells to enhance their flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Manicotti Cheese Bake pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For a delightful touch, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving. You may also want to serve it with a side of Italian Soupa for a comforting, hearty dinner. A glass of red wine complements the flavors wonderfully.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored 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 (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating, but be sure to cover with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Manicotti Cheese Bake contains roughly 1219 calories, with 39g protein, 146g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (77% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), and calcium (49% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1502mg per serving (65% 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 a different type of cheese in the filling?
Absolutely! You can substitute Ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option, or mix in some goat cheese for a tangy twist. Just ensure the cheese blend is creamy enough to fill the shells without falling apart.
How do I know when the manicotti is done baking?
The manicotti is ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges start to lightly brown. A total baking time of 20 to 30 minutes is typical, but if you prefer a crispier top, you can broil it for a couple of minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the manicotti and meat sauce ahead of time. Just cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and follow the original baking instructions, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
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).