Meat Filled Manicotti
Meat-filled manicotti features tender pasta tubes generously stuffed with seasoned beef and sausage mixture, topped with melted cheese and rich spaghetti sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Drain and cool in a single layer on foil.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown beef and sausage; drain fat.
- In a bowl, combine meat, 1 cup Mozzarella, eggs, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each cooled pasta tube with 1/4 cup meat filling.
- Spread a thin layer of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Place filled pasta in the dish.
- Cover with remaining sauce.
- Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup Mozzarella cheese and additional Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil.
- Bake for 45 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef and pork sausage. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try using ricotta cheese mixed with spinach instead of meat. To enhance the flavor, add minced garlic or fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the filling. Ensure the manicotti are well filled to prevent them from drying out during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meat-filled manicotti with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A side of Anne'S Hearty Spaghetti Sauce can be drizzled over the top for added flavor. Pair with a glass of red wine for a delightful dinner experience that echoes traditional Italian recipes and brings warmth to your table.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover manicotti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 20 minutes. This helps retain moisture and ensures the cheese melts evenly. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Filled Manicotti contains roughly 974 calories, with 40g protein, 177g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (270% 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 1691mg per serving (74% 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 prepare the manicotti ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the manicotti a day in advance. Just cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. If baking straight from the fridge, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are heated through.
What can I use instead of manicotti noodles?
If you can't find manicotti noodles, you can use large pasta shells or even lasagna sheets cut into strips. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly, as different pasta shapes may require varying cooking durations.
Can I freeze the cooked manicotti?
Absolutely! Cooked manicotti can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure they are heated through.
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).