Tufulis
A hearty Italian baked pasta dish featuring sausage, ground beef, mushrooms, and melted mozzarella cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the onion, garlic, and mushrooms in a skillet.
- Mix the cooked vegetables with raw meat, mozzarella cheese, eggs, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and oregano in a large bowl.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Partially cook the manicotti noodles in salted water.
- Stuff the cooked noodles with the meat mixture.
- Place the stuffed noodles in a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Cover with tomato sauce and sprinkle with cheese to taste.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes, covered.
Tips & Substitutions
For a slightly different flavor, try adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the meat mixture. If you want a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of Italian sausage and beef. Additionally, using low-fat mozzarella cheese can reduce the overall fat content without sacrificing taste. Be sure to watch the noodles closely while pre-cooking to avoid overcooking, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the tufulis hot from the oven, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving with a portion of Grandpa William'S Italian Spaghetti Sauce on the side or as a topping. A glass of red wine would complement the rich flavors well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the tufulis in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for a few minutes until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tufulis contains roughly 841 calories, with 38g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (188% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (137% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1986mg per serving (86% 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 tufulis ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tufulis a day in advance. After stuffing the noodles, cover the baking pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
What can I substitute for the Italian sausage?
If you're looking for a substitute for Italian sausage, ground turkey or chicken can work well. For a spicier kick, consider adding Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the ground meat. You can also use a mix of ground pork and beef for a similar flavor profile.
Can I freeze the tufulis?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled tufulis before baking. Wrap the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
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).