Manicotti(Power Level: High, 100%; Total Cooking Time: 13 To 16 Minutes)
Creamy manicotti stuffed with cheesy mixture and topped with savory meat sauce, perfect for family dinners or special occasions craving rich Italian flavors.
Ingredients
- 8 manicotti shells, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 egg, slightly beaten ⓘ
- 2 c. dry cottage cheese or Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 c. grated Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Place ground beef in a 1-quart casserole.
- Add chopped onion, salt, minced garlic, parsley, basil, and oregano.
- Microwave on High (100%) for 3 to 4 minutes or until meat is no longer pink.
- Stir halfway through cooking time.
- Drain off excess grease.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables. If you prefer a creamier filling, consider adding a bit of cream cheese to the cottage or ricotta cheese. To prevent the manicotti shells from breaking, allow them to cool completely before filling. Additionally, for a flavor boost, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the manicotti with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A fresh Italian salad pairs beautifully with this dish, offering a refreshing contrast to the hearty flavors. If you're looking for additional inspiration, consider browsing more Italian recipes for complementary dishes or sides that can elevate your dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, cover the manicotti with a damp paper towel in the microwave to retain moisture, or bake them in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Adding a bit of tomato sauce on top before reheating can help keep them from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Manicotti(Power Level: High, 100%; Total Cooking Time: 13 To 16 Minutes) contains roughly 1080 calories, with 50g protein, 197g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (320% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2451mg per serving (107% 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 store-bought sauce instead of making my own?
Absolutely! Using a good-quality store-bought tomato sauce can save time and still deliver great flavor. Opt for a marinara or a chunky tomato sauce to add texture, or go for a sauce with herbs to complement the dish.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
To prepare ahead, you can assemble the manicotti and store it uncooked in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake, remove the wrap and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for the Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan cheese on hand, you can use Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano as a substitute, as they will provide a similar salty and nutty flavor. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can be sprinkled on top for a cheesy taste without the dairy.
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).