Spaghetti Rolls
Savory spaghetti-filled manicotti baked to perfection with melted cheese and rich beef sauce, perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook beef in oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, stirring to separate the meat; drain fat.
- Stir in onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add 1 cup of spaghetti sauce to the beef mixture; set aside.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the ground beef mixture.
- Combine the remaining beef mixture with mozzarella cheese in a large bowl.
- Stuff the beef and cheese mixture into cooked manicotti shells.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in a greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Mix the remaining spaghetti sauce with the reserved beef mixture in a small bowl; blend well.
- Pour the sauce over the stuffed manicotti shells.
- Cover the dish with foil.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 to 30 minutes or until hot.
- Garnish as desired before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also use whole wheat manicotti shells for added fiber. If you don’t have mozzarella, try ricotta for a creamier texture. To save time, prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble. This dish can be a delightful addition to your Italian recipes collection.
Serving Suggestions
These spaghetti rolls are great on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a simple side salad or garlic bread to round out the meal. For a full Italian experience, consider serving with a glass of red wine. They also make for a fantastic dish to serve at gatherings, alongside recipes like Stuffed Italiano Green Peppers or Lasagna Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the spaghetti rolls in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for 1-2 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Rolls contains roughly 325 calories, with 7g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (105% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1611mg per serving (70% 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 spaghetti rolls in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the spaghetti rolls a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator, covered. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they're heated through.
What can I substitute for manicotti shells?
If you can't find manicotti shells, you can use jumbo pasta shells or even lasagna noodles cut into strips. Just ensure the filling is well-contained, as these alternatives may require slight adjustments in cooking time.
Can I freeze the spaghetti rolls?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled spaghetti rolls before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding additional time to ensure they cook thoroughly.
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).