Manicotti Or Large Seashells
Creamy, cheesy manicotti or large shells stuffed with seasoned ground beef and mozzarella, baked in flavorful tomato sauce—perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef.
- Remove from heat and drain off excess fat.
- Combine bread cubes and milk; let stand for 2 minutes.
- Add bread and milk mixture to the cooked beef.
- Stir in beaten egg, shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Cook manicotti or shells according to package instructions.
- Spread 1½ cups of spaghetti sauce in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Fill each manicotti or shell with the beef mixture and place in a single layer on the sauce in the prepared dish.
- Cover with the remaining sauce and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake, covered, at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of beef. If you don't have fresh parsley, dried parsley works in a pinch. You can also substitute cottage cheese for some of the mozzarella for a creamier filling. Make sure to cook the manicotti or shells al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. This dish pairs beautifully with Beef Manicotti for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the manicotti with a side salad, such as a classic Caesar or a fresh Parish Pasta Salad, to balance the richness of the dish. Garlic bread also makes a perfect accompaniment. For an Italian-inspired dinner, pair the manicotti with a glass of red wine, which complements the flavors of the beef and tomato sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to add a splash of water to keep the pasta moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Manicotti Or Large Seashells contains roughly 848 calories, with 23g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (46% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1281mg per serving (56% 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 this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the manicotti and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I freeze the manicotti once it's baked?
Absolutely! After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven until heated through.
What can I use if I don't have manicotti shells?
If you can't find manicotti, large pasta shells or even lasagna noodles can be used as alternatives. For shells, follow the same filling instructions. If using lasagna noodles, just cut them into appropriate lengths and roll them with the filling before placing in the baking 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).