Ragu Manicotti
A hearty baked manicotti dish filled with a savory beef and cottage cheese mixture, topped with mozzarella, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the manicotti shells as directed on the package and let cool.
- While shells are cooling, brown the minced onion in a skillet.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until lightly browned; drain excess fat.
- Mix cottage cheese into the cooked beef and onion mixture.
- Fill each cooked shell with the beef and cottage cheese mixture.
- Arrange filled shells in a square baking dish in rows.
- Pour Ragu spaghetti sauce over the shells.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes, checking often to prevent over-browning.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider blending the cottage cheese until smooth. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese for a different texture. If you want to add more flavor, incorporate Italian herbs like oregano or basil into the beef mixture. This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread, similar to other Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ragu Manicotti hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color. Pair it with a crisp Caesar salad and warm garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish complements well with a light red wine, enhancing the flavors of the beef and sauce. For a comforting finish, consider serving with a slice of cheesecake.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture and heat evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ragu Manicotti contains roughly 174 calories, with 8g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge. This makes it convenient for a week's meal prep or hosting friends.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option. For a richer flavor, try using Italian sausage, or for a lighter choice, opt for finely chopped vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
Can I freeze the Ragu Manicotti?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until 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).