Quick Manicotti
A quick and cheesy baked manicotti dish featuring seasoned beef, creamy cottage cheese, and melted mozzarella, perfect for a hearty family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the manicotti shells according to package instructions; rinse in cold water and drain.
- In a skillet, sauté the ground beef and garlic until browned; drain excess grease.
- In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella, salt, and mayonnaise; stir well.
- Stuff each manicotti shell with the meat and cheese mixture using a spoon.
- Spread a layer of Prego spaghetti sauce in a greased baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish over the sauce.
- Pour remaining sauce over the shells and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
To save time, prepare the meat filling while the manicotti shells cook. You can substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese if preferred. For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped spinach or using Bet'S Spaghetti Sauce instead of Prego. If you want a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the manicotti hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color. A side of Tossed Italian Salad pairs beautifully with this dish to add freshness. For a complete meal, consider serving with garlic bread or alongside a light soup, such as minestrone.
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) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for 2-3 minutes, checking for doneness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Manicotti contains roughly 1887 calories, with 58g protein, 233g carbohydrates, and 103g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (337% 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 2915mg per serving (127% 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 manicotti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed manicotti ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they're heated through.
What can I use as a substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner alternative to ground beef. For a vegetarian option, consider using crumbled tofu or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and zucchini for a meatless filling. Be sure to season them well to enhance the flavors.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make gluten-free manicotti, look for gluten-free manicotti shells available in many grocery stores. Ensure that the sauces and other ingredients you use are also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious version of the dish without gluten.
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).