Sandy'S Manicotti
Creamy manicotti filled with a savory blend of cheeses and spinach, topped with rich tomato sauce—perfect for comforting family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic pressed ⓘ
- 4 cups tomato juice ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons oregano ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 10 ounces frozen spinach thawed and drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese ⓘ
- 16 to 20 manicotti noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef or Italian sausage with pressed garlic and chopped onion; drain the grease.
- Combine 2 cups of tomato juice, tomato paste, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar with the cooked meat mixture; stir and simmer while preparing the filling.
- Prepare the manicotti noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, grated Romano, thawed and drained spinach, and eggs to make the cheese filling.
- Stuff cooked manicotti noodles with the cheese mixture and place in a baking dish.
- Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the stuffed noodles.
- Sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top if desired.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a bit of ricotta to the tomato sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with additional spinach or sautéed mushrooms. You can also use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making your own for a quicker preparation. For a twist, try adding Italian sausage for a robust flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Sandy's Manicotti with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top enhances the flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Easy Man's Lasagna for a hearty Italian feast. A robust red wine, such as Chianti, complements the flavors perfectly.
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, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. For individual servings, the microwave works well, heating for 1-2 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sandy'S Manicotti contains roughly 935 calories, with 35g protein, 146g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (211% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (159% of the Daily Value), and calcium (122% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2145mg per serving (93% 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 this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the manicotti and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. If baking from the fridge, you may need to add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.
Can I freeze manicotti after baking?
Absolutely! Baked manicotti can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese, cottage cheese is a great alternative. Blend it until smooth for a similar texture. You can also use cream cheese mixed with a little milk to achieve the desired consistency.
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).