Sam'S Cheese Manicotti
Cheesy manicotti with flavorful meat sauce, baked to perfection for a hearty Italian-inspired meal that's perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir the cooked, drained ground beef with spaghetti sauce mix, tomato paste, and water. Cover and microwave on High for 10 minutes.
- Prepare a round dish for baking.
- Mix cottage cheese, shredded Mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, parsley, and pepper together.
- Fill manicotti shells with the cheese mixture.
- Pour half of the meat sauce into the dish.
- Place the filled shells in the dish and pour the remaining sauce over them.
- Microwave, covered, on High for 10 minutes.
- Using tongs, turn the shells over and cook on Medium-high for 15 to 17 minutes.
- Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms, and use a meatless spaghetti sauce mix. You can also mix in some spinach or other veggies into the cheese filling for added nutrition. If you prefer a creamier texture, try using ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese. This dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the manicotti with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Gerry'S Spaghetti Sauce drizzled on top for extra flavor. Consider a glass of red wine to complement the rich cheese and meat flavors. For a lighter option, a refreshing cucumber salad also works well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid and heat on medium until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, you can bake it in the oven at 350°F until heated completely.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sam'S Cheese Manicotti contains roughly 516 calories, with 29g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), protein (59% of the Daily Value), and calcium (54% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 800mg per serving (35% 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 this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the manicotti a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just wait to bake until you’re ready to serve. If you do this, you might need to increase the cooking time slightly when you bake it.
What can I substitute for the cheeses?
If you want to change up the flavors, you can substitute cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier filling. Additionally, any shredded cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack can replace mozzarella for a different taste.
Can I freeze the manicotti?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled, uncooked manicotti. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw; just increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes.
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).