Manicotti With Beef And Cheese
A hearty baked manicotti dish filled with seasoned beef and sausage, layered with cheese and topped with mushrooms, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix ground beef, sausage, and bread crumbs in a large bowl.
- Carefully stuff the cooked manicotti noodles with the meat mixture.
- Boil the noodles in 6 quarts of water until tender yet firm.
- Pour half of the jar of spaghetti sauce into the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Layer the cooked noodles in the pan over the sauce.
- Cover the noodles with mushrooms, onions, olives, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the cheese layer.
- Bake for 45 minutes, then remove from oven and cover with remaining cheese.
- Bake until the cheese melts and is bubbly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, consider using ground turkey instead of beef and sausage, and swap out half of the cheese for ricotta. You can also add fresh herbs like basil and oregano to enhance the flavor. Be careful not to overcook the manicotti noodles; they should be al dente since they'll continue cooking in the oven. For a twist, try adding spinach or zucchini to the meat mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty manicotti with a side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal. Garlic bread is a great accompaniment, perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce. For a complete Italian experience, pair with a glass of red wine and consider following with a classic dessert like tiramisu.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover manicotti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture, for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Manicotti With Beef And Cheese contains roughly 303 calories, with 11g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (27% of the Daily Value), protein (22% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A.
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 manicotti in advance?
Yes, you can prepare manicotti ahead of time. Assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for the Prego sauce?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can substitute Prego with a homemade marinara sauce using crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. This will give you a fresh flavor and control over the ingredients. Alternatively, store-bought organic or low-sodium sauces work well too.
Can I freeze manicotti?
Yes, manicotti freezes well! After assembling, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, preheat the oven to 375°F, cover with foil, and bake for about 1 hour. Remove the foil for the last 15-20 minutes to allow the cheese to brown.
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).