Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce: A Hearty, Flavorful Italian Classic

If you’re in the mood for a hearty, comforting meal that’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings, Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce is the perfect dish. This Italian-American classic features large pasta tubes stuffed with a savory mixture of ricotta cheese and ground meat, all smothered in a rich, flavorful meat sauce and baked until golden and bubbly. It’s a meal that combines cheesy goodness, savory meat, and pasta in every delicious bite.

In this blog post, we’ll take you step-by-step through making Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce, discuss why it’s such a popular dish, and offer some tips for customizing it to suit your tastes.

What is Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce?

Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce is a beloved Italian-American dish made with manicotti pasta—large, tubular pasta shells that are perfect for stuffing. The pasta is filled with a combination of ricotta cheese and ground meat (typically beef, though you can use other types of meat as well), and then topped with a hearty meat sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs. The entire dish is then baked, allowing the cheese filling to melt and the sauce to soak into the pasta, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish.

This dish is a variation of cannelloni, another stuffed pasta, but manicotti uses larger tubes, making it easier to stuff with your desired filling. It’s perfect for serving a crowd, feeding your family, or making ahead for a busy week.

The Appeal of Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce

Hearty and Filling

Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce is a meal that will leave you full and satisfied. The combination of pasta, cheese, and meat makes for a hearty dish that provides protein, carbs, and plenty of flavor. It’s a great comfort food option, especially for colder months when you’re craving something warm and filling.

Rich and Flavorful Meat Sauce

The meat sauce is what makes this dish stand out. Made with ground meat, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices, the sauce is savory, slightly sweet, and packed with rich flavors. It complements the creamy ricotta filling and creates a perfect balance of tastes.

Cheesy and Creamy Filling

The filling for the manicotti is made from ricotta cheese, which gives the dish a creamy texture, and you can add mozzarella cheese for extra richness. The cheese filling melts as it bakes, becoming wonderfully creamy and flavorful, making each bite indulgent.

Perfect for Special Occasions or Weeknight Dinners

Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce is perfect for a family dinner, special occasion, or holiday meal. It can also be made ahead of time and frozen for later use, making it a convenient option for meal prep.

Essential Ingredients for Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce

To make Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Manicotti

• 1 box manicotti pasta (about 14-16 tubes)
• 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for added flavor)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 (14.5 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)

For the Ricotta Cheese Filling

• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 cup spinach (optional, for added flavor and nutrition)
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce

Making Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce involves three main components: preparing the pasta, making the meat sauce, and stuffing the manicotti. Let’s break it down step-by-step.

Step 1: Cook the Manicotti

Start by cooking the manicotti pasta according to the package instructions. Since the pasta will be baked later, cook it al dente (slightly firm). Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool while you prepare the sauce and filling.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

1. Sauté the meat: In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
2. Add the aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
3. Build the sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Add the dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then lower the heat and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken, and the flavors will meld together.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Cheese Filling

1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, spinach (if using), parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried basil, and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine.
2. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning if needed. The filling should be well-seasoned to complement the meat sauce.

Step 4: Stuff the Manicotti

1. Carefully stuff each cooked manicotti shell with about 2-3 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture. If you’re using a spoon, be gentle so the pasta doesn’t break. If you have a piping bag, it makes the process faster and cleaner.
2. Place the stuffed manicotti in a large baking dish, side by side, on top of a thin layer of meat sauce. Make sure they fit snugly but don’t overcrowd the dish.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

1. Spread sauce: Once all the manicotti are stuffed and arranged in the baking dish, pour the remaining meat sauce over the top, making sure to cover the pasta completely.
2. Top with mozzarella: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the sauce. Add more cheese if you like extra cheesiness.
3. Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.
4. Uncover and bake: After 25-30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly browned.

Step 6: Serve

Once the manicotti is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the dish set and makes it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired.

Serving Suggestions for Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce

Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce is a hearty dish on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some great options to serve alongside:

• Garlic Bread: A classic accompaniment for mopping up the delicious meat sauce.
• Caesar Salad: A fresh and tangy salad with romaine lettuce, parmesan, croutons, and Caesar dressing balances out the richness of the manicotti.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts make a light and flavorful side dish.
• Steamed Broccoli: A simple, healthy side that pairs well with the creamy cheese filling and savory sauce.
• Wine Pairing: A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon, complements the bold flavors of the meat sauce.

Conclusion

Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce is the epitome of Italian comfort food. It combines tender pasta, a creamy ricotta filling, savory meat sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese into a satisfying and indulgent dish. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving a delicious meal, this dish is sure to please.

The beauty of Stuffed Manicotti is its versatility—you can modify the filling, sauce, or spice level to suit your taste. With a little effort, you can create a memorable meal that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy a classic Italian meal that’s both comforting and flavorful!

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FAQs

1. Can I make Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the stuffed manicotti and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. If you’re freezing it, cover the dish tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as usual.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta for this dish?

If you can’t find manicotti, you can use large shells (conchiglioni) or even cannelloni. Just make sure the pasta is large enough to hold the filling.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! You can replace the ground meat with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini, or even use a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian or vegan version.

4. How do I prevent the manicotti shells from breaking while stuffing?

To avoid breaking the shells, cook them al dente (slightly firm) and rinse them under cold water after cooking to prevent them from sticking together. Be gentle when stuffing them to avoid cracking.

5. Can I freeze Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce?

Yes! This dish freezes well. After assembling, wrap it tightly in foil and freeze. To bake from frozen, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 45-50 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

6. Can I use store-bought tomato sauce for the meat sauce?

Yes, you can substitute store-bought tomato sauce for homemade meat sauce. Just add ground meat, herbs, and spices to the store-bought sauce to make it flavorful.

7. Can I add more cheese to the filling?

Absolutely! You can add extra mozzarella, parmesan, or provolone to the ricotta filling for extra flavor and creaminess.

8. Can I make the sauce spicier?

Yes! You can add chili flakes, diced fresh chilies, or even a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce to add some heat.

9. How do I store leftover Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of sauce if the dish looks dry.

10. How do I carve the manicotti?

Manicotti is typically served by cutting along the top to reveal the creamy filling inside. Use a serrated knife to carefully cut through the pasta and serve with a spoon to scoop up the filling and sauce.