"Roll Your Own" Manicotti
Creamy cheese-filled lasagna rolls wrapped in tender pasta, baked with flavorful meat sauce and topped with Parmesan, ideal for comforting family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Ricotta or cottage cheese, shredded Mozzarella cheese, flavored bread crumbs, salt, chopped parsley, and a slightly beaten egg in a bowl.
- Boil lasagna noodles as directed on the package.
- Cut the cooked lasagna into strips and cut each strip in half.
- Spoon a portion of the cheese mixture onto each lasagna strip and roll it up.
- Pour half of the meat sauce into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and arrange the rolled manicotti in a single layer over the sauce.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the manicotti and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider using Ricotta cheese, which adds richness, or swap in cottage cheese for a lighter option. If you want a vegetarian version, omit the meat sauce and use a marinara sauce instead. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can enhance the flavor. Make sure to boil lasagna noodles until al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft when rolled.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the manicotti hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with a side salad, such as Grilled Antipasto Salad, and some crusty garlic bread to soak up the sauce. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover manicotti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Roll Your Own" Manicotti contains roughly 751 calories, with 36g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (73% of the Daily Value), calcium (66% of the Daily Value), and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2496mg per serving (109% 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 in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the manicotti and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of meat sauce?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute meat sauce with marinara or a homemade tomato sauce. For added flavor, consider stirring in sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the sauce, making it even more nutritious and satisfying.
Is it possible to freeze manicotti?
Yes, manicotti can be frozen before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. If freezing after baking, allow it to cool completely before wrapping and storing.
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).