Ultimate Cheesy Stuffed Manicotti
Experience the delightful layers of flavor with this Ultimate Cheesy Stuffed Manicotti recipe. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish eliminates the need for any pre-cooking. Simply combine the ingredients, fill the pasta shells, and let the oven work its magic. The combination of ground beef and sausage provides a rich, savory filling that pairs beautifully with creamy ricotta and tangy spaghetti sauce. Topped with gooey mozzarella cheese, this meal promises to be a hit at your dining table. Serve it alongside a fresh garden salad and warm garlic bread for a truly satisfying experience!
6-8 servings
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
manicotti shells
1 (16 ounce) box (No preparation required)
ground beef
1 lb (Raw, no preparation required)
sausage
1 lb (Raw, no preparation required)
onion
1 small (Diced)
egg
1 large (Beaten)
oregano
1 1/2 tablespoons (No preparation required)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (No preparation required)
ricotta cheese
16 ounces (No preparation required)
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (Grated, no preparation required)
mozzarella cheese
16 ounces (Shredded, no preparation required)
spaghetti sauce
16 ounces (No preparation required)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Spread 2 tablespoons of spaghetti sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, sausage, diced onion, beaten egg, oregano, garlic powder, ricotta cheese, and parmesan cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
4
Using a pastry bag or a makeshift piping bag (by cutting the end off a sandwich bag), carefully fill each manicotti shell with the meat and cheese mixture. Continue until all the shells are filled.
5
Place the stuffed manicotti in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
6
Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce evenly over the shells, ensuring they are well-covered.
7
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying, and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
8
After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top.
9
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
11
Enjoy your Ultimate Cheesy Stuffed Manicotti with a refreshing salad and warm garlic bread!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to boil the manicotti shells before stuffing them?
No, this recipe is designed so that you do not need to pre-cook the manicotti shells. They will cook perfectly in the oven while surrounded by the sauce and filling.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for the best results.
How long does it take to bake the Ultimate Cheesy Stuffed Manicotti?
The dish bakes for a total of 60 minutes: 45 minutes covered with foil, and an additional 15 minutes uncovered after adding the cheese.
What kind of meat is used in the filling?
The filling uses a combination of 1 pound of ground beef and 1 pound of sausage for a rich and savory flavor.
Is the meat cooked before stuffing the shells?
No, the meat is mixed raw with the other filling ingredients and cooks inside the shells while the casserole bakes.
What is the easiest way to fill the manicotti shells?
Using a pastry bag or a makeshift piping bag (a plastic sandwich bag with the corner cut off) is the most effective way to fill the shells without breaking them.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 to 8 servings.
What size baking dish is required?
A standard 9x13 inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How much spaghetti sauce is needed in total?
You will need a 16-ounce jar or container of spaghetti sauce.
Why do I need to put sauce on the bottom of the dish?
Spreading a small amount of sauce on the bottom prevents the pasta shells from sticking to the dish during the baking process.
What types of cheese are included in this recipe?
The recipe calls for ricotta cheese, grated parmesan cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can fill the shells and assemble the dish in advance, then refrigerate it until you are ready to bake.
What should I serve with stuffed manicotti?
It pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad and warm garlic bread.
What is the purpose of the egg in the filling?
The beaten egg acts as a binder, helping the meat and cheese mixture stay together inside the shells.
How much mozzarella is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 16 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese for a gooey, cheesy topping.
How much oregano is used in the spice mix?
The recipe calls for 1.5 tablespoons of oregano.
Do I need to cover the dish with foil?
Yes, covering the dish with aluminum foil for the first 45 minutes prevents the pasta from drying out while the meat cooks.
Can I use different types of sausage?
Yes, you can use mild Italian, sweet, or hot sausage depending on your spice preference.
How long should the manicotti cool before serving?
Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to let the cheese set slightly.
What size box of manicotti shells should I buy?
You will need one 16-ounce box of manicotti shells.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Is the onion cooked before being added to the filling?
No, the onion should be finely diced and mixed raw into the meat and cheese filling.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
What if I don't have a piping bag?
You can use a spoon to fill the shells, though it is much slower and more difficult than using a bag with the corner cut off.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
How much Ricotta cheese is used?
You will need a 16-ounce container of ricotta cheese.
Is this dish considered a casserole?
Yes, it is often categorized as a pasta casserole or an Italian dinner recipe.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option, though it may slightly change the flavor profile.
What should the cheese look like when it's done?
The mozzarella cheese should be completely melted and bubbly.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 11 main ingredients used to create this ultimate manicotti dish.