Cheesy Gooey Manicotti Delight
Dive into this Cheesy Gooey Manicotti Delight, a perfect family-friendly dish that brings everyone together in the kitchen! Kids will love rolling up their sleeves to help stuff the pasta shells with melty mozzarella string cheese, creating a delightful and gooey filling. The rich ground beef mixed with savory spaghetti sauce creates a hearty base that complements the manicotti perfectly. Easy to prepare and bake in just over half an hour, this meal is not only satisfying for children but also a hit among adults. An ideal weeknight dinner or a delicious dish for gatherings, it’s time to gather your loved ones and enjoy this savory Italian classic!
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
manicotti
8 ounces (uncooked)
ground beef
1 pound (cooked and drained)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
spaghetti sauce
26 ounces (jarred (recommended: Ragu roasted garlic))
mozzarella string cheese
14 pieces (for stuffing)
shredded mozzarella cheese
6 ounces (for topping (1 1/2 cups))
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cook the manicotti shells according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is tender, draining any excess fat after cooking.
4
Pour in the spaghetti sauce and stir to combine until heated through.
5
In a greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish, spread half of the meat sauce mixture evenly on the bottom.
6
Carefully stuff each manicotti shell with a piece of mozzarella string cheese. Place the stuffed shells in a single layer over the meat sauce in the baking dish.
7
Top the manicotti with the remaining meat sauce, ensuring each shell is well covered.
8
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
9
After baking, remove the foil and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
10
Return to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Nutrition Information
20
Fat
40
Carbs
20
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Gooey Manicotti Delight?
It is a family-friendly Italian pasta dish featuring manicotti shells stuffed with mozzarella string cheese and topped with a hearty meat sauce.
How many calories are in a serving of this manicotti?
There are approximately 400 calories per serving.
What ingredients do I need for this recipe?
You will need manicotti shells, ground beef, onion, spaghetti sauce, mozzarella string cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
How do I stuff the manicotti shells?
Carefully slide a piece of mozzarella string cheese into each cooked and cooled manicotti shell.
What kind of cheese is used for the stuffing?
The recipe uses 14 pieces of mozzarella string cheese for stuffing the shells.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does it take to bake the manicotti?
It takes 25-30 minutes covered with foil, plus an additional 5-10 minutes uncovered.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is kid-friendly and a great way to involve children in the kitchen by having them help stuff the pasta shells.
Which spaghetti sauce is recommended for this dish?
The recipe suggests using 26 ounces of jarred spaghetti sauce, specifically recommending Ragu roasted garlic.
Can I use a different type of meat?
While the recipe calls for ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey or a meat alternative if desired.
How much ground beef is required?
The recipe requires 1 pound of ground beef, which should be cooked and drained.
Do I need to cook the pasta before stuffing it?
Yes, cook the manicotti shells according to package directions until al dente before stuffing.
How much shredded mozzarella is used for the topping?
You will need 6 ounces (approximately 1 1/2 cups) of shredded mozzarella cheese for the top layer.
What size baking dish is needed?
A greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are approximately 20 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are approximately 20 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does the recipe include onions?
Yes, it includes 1/2 cup of chopped onion cooked with the ground beef.
Should the baking dish be covered in the oven?
Yes, cover the dish with foil for the first 25-30 minutes of baking.
How do I know when the manicotti is done?
The dish is done when the cheese on top is bubbly and has turned golden.
Can I prepare this dish for a gathering?
Absolutely, it is described as a delicious dish for gatherings and a perfect family meal.
How many manicotti shells are used?
The recipe uses an 8-ounce package of manicotti shells.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How is the meat sauce layered in the dish?
Spread half of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish, add the shells, and then cover with the remaining sauce.
Is there any fiber or sugar information provided?
No, specific fiber, sugar, sodium, or cholesterol values are not provided in this recipe data.
Can I use different types of string cheese?
While mozzarella is traditional, you could experiment with other string cheese flavors like Pepper Jack for a kick.
Do I need to drain the beef after cooking?
Yes, it is important to drain any excess fat after browning the beef and onion.
Is this considered a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, with a bake time of around 35 minutes, it is an ideal choice for a weeknight meal.
What category of food does this fall into?
This dish falls under the categories of Italian, pasta, and beef dinners.
How many total ingredients are used?
The recipe consists of 6 main ingredients.