Health

Baked Manicotti Recipe

admin 2 min read

Baked Manicotti Recipe

This baked manicotti is a comforting pasta dish filled with a rich cheese mixture and covered in flavorful marinara sauce. For extra heartiness, you can also add ground beef or Italian sausage. Finished with melted cheddar and a touch of parsley, it’s an easy oven-baked meal that’s perfect for dinner.

Ingredients

  • 12 manicotti shells
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage, optional
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs, optional
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

How to Make Baked Manicotti

1. Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking.

2. Cook the pasta

Boil the manicotti shells according to the package directions until they are al dente. Drain them carefully and let them cool slightly.

Baked Manicotti Recipe

3. Make the filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

  • Ricotta cheese
  • Mozzarella
  • Parmesan
  • Egg
  • Garlic powder
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Mix until smooth and well blended. If you want a meat-filled manicotti, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage separately, drain any excess fat, and stir it into the cheese mixture.

4. Stuff the manicotti

Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each cooked manicotti tube with the prepared cheese mixture.

5. Assemble the dish

Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed manicotti in a single layer over the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly on top.

6. Add the topping

Sprinkle the manicotti with:

  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Breadcrumbs, if using

7. Bake

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the top is lightly golden.

8. Garnish and serve

Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and serve while hot.

Serving Tips

  • Pair with a green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
  • Use Italian sausage for a bolder, more savory flavor.
  • For a vegetarian version, simply leave out the meat.

Why You’ll Love This Manicotti

  • Easy to prepare
  • Cheesy and satisfying
  • Great for family dinners
  • Can be made with or without meat
  • Perfect for a cozy Italian-inspired meal