Simple Manicotti
Manicotti baked with seasoned beef and melted mozzarella creates a hearty, cheesy Italian dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. The savory meat filling combined with rich spaghetti sauce offers comforting flavors that appeal to pasta lovers and those seeking a satisfying, easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup spaghetti sauce, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cool for 5 minutes.
- Set aside 1/2 cup of the meat mixture.
- Add shredded Mozzarella cheese to the remaining meat mixture.
- Stuff the cheese-meat mixture into cooked and drained manicotti shells.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Combine the remaining spaghetti sauce with the reserved meat mixture.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the stuffed shells.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or Italian herbs to the ground beef mixture. If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef. Ensure the manicotti shells are fully cooked but still firm to avoid breaking while stuffing. You can also use cottage cheese instead of Mozzarella for a different texture and flavor. This recipe is a great way to explore Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the manicotti with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top enhances the flavors. It pairs beautifully with Easy Ground Beef Lasagna for a hearty Italian dinner. You can also offer a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover manicotti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the shells in a baking dish with a splash of water or extra sauce to keep them moist, and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. This method ensures the pasta remains tender.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Simple Manicotti contains roughly 77 calories, with 4g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (90% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1103mg per serving (48% 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 manicotti ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the manicotti and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. If baking from the fridge, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through completely.
What can I use instead of spaghetti sauce?
If you don't have spaghetti sauce, marinara or even a homemade tomato sauce can work well. For a creamier option, consider using Alfredo sauce or a combination of both. Just ensure that any sauce you choose complements the flavors of the beef and cheese filling.
How do I prevent the shells from breaking while stuffing?
To prevent manicotti shells from breaking, make sure they are cooked al dente, as they will soften further during baking. Let them cool slightly before handling, and use a piping bag or a spoon to carefully stuff them, taking care not to overfill, which can cause them to split.
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).