Saucy Manicotti
Creamy, savory mannicotti baked with rich cheese and hearty meat sauce, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests who love Italian comfort food.
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. hot bulk pork sausage ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can tomatoes, undrained and chopped ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
- 1 1/2 tsp. dried whole basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. manicotti shells ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. Philadelphia brand cream cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 (8 oz.) carton Philadelphia brand cream cheese with chives and onions ⓘ
- 4 1/2 cups (18 oz.) Kraft shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) carton Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 cup Kraft grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ground chuck, hot bulk pork sausage, chopped onion, and minced garlic in a large Dutch oven.
- Cook over medium heat until meat is browned, stirring to crumble; drain well.
- Add tomato sauce, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, sugar, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding red wine to the sauce while it simmers. If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey can be used instead of ground chuck. Fresh basil can substitute dried basil for a fresher taste. To save time, you can use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making the sauce from scratch, but ensure to choose a high-quality brand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the saucy manicotti garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese for an elegant touch. Pair it with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish also pairs beautifully with Thelma O'Berry'S Spaghetti Sauce for a delightful Italian-inspired dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover saucy 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 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Saucy Manicotti contains roughly 883 calories, with 50g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (114% of the Daily Value), protein (101% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (76% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2428mg per serving (106% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the manicotti and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the cream cheese?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can replace the cream cheese with cottage cheese or a ricotta mixture. Both alternatives will maintain the creamy texture while offering a different flavor profile.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the ground chuck and sausage, and add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini. You can also incorporate lentils for added protein, maintaining the hearty nature of the dish.
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).