Beef and Cheese Manicotti Recipe

If you are searching for hearty and filling comfort food meal you are going to love this Beef and Cheese Manicotti recipe. The taste is similar to lasagna, but instead of having layers and layers of beef, cheese and marinara sauce, this dish is made by stuffing the filling inside of the pasta itself.

Then marinara sauce is poured over the noodles and Mozzarella cheese is sprinkled on top. Once it is comes out of the oven, you have a delicious dinner that is easy to serve.

Simply place a couple of the pasta filled tubes on your plate and grab a breadstick and you will have a complete and satisfying meal that is sure to become a favorite.

Although it takes a little time to prepare, it is the perfect Italian dish to serve on a cold and blustery day. However it is also elegant enough to serve as a special occasion meal.

What is Manicotti?

The word “manicotti” actually means “sleeves” in Italian, which aptly describes the pasta’s long, tubular shape. These pasta tubes are known for their ability to hold a generous amount of filling, making them a popular choice for stuffed pasta dishes like this one.

How to Cook Manicotti

Cooking manicotti to perfection is crucial for this recipe. You want the pasta to be less than al dente, but just tender enough so it doesn’t break during the stuffing process. Here’s how to do it:

1. Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. This step is important so that the pasta itself is seasoned.

2. Add the manicotti pasta shells to the boiling water and cook for about 4-6 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as you want the pasta to be slightly softened but still somewhat firm. Overcooking will result in tearing the pasta as you try to add the filling.

3. While the pasta is cooking, prepare a large baking sheet by brushing it with a teaspoon of olive oil. This will prevent the cooked manicotti from sticking together and from sticking to the surface.

4. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pasta from the water, being sure to drain the water that is inside the tube. Then transfer the cooked manicotti to the oiled baking sheet. Allow the pasta to cool while you prepare the filling.

Beef and Cheese Manicotti Filling

The filling is what makes this recipe so delicious. With just a few simple ingredients you will create a hearty and delicious combination that is the perfect texture to fill the pasta.

• Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef, as it contains less fat and ensures a less greasy filling.

• Three kinds of cheese: A blend of ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and fresh grated Parmesan cheese creates a rich and creamy texture that complements the beef perfectly.

• Garlic and Parsley: These two ingredients add a nice depth of flavor to the filling.

How to Assemble Beef and Cheese Manicotti

I have tried several methods to stuff the filling inside the pasta. However I found one method that works better than all of the others.

Working one at a time pick up the manicotti and hold it semi-upright. Then use a teaspoon or a soup spoon from your utensil drawer and begin to place the filling inside the tube.

Then flip the spoon over and use the end of the spoon to push the filling inside the tube. Continue this process until the filling is packed inside.

Finally, before you put the stuffed manicotti in the baking dish, use the back of the spoon to pack the filling in tightly on both ends.

Then repeat until each pasta tube is filled. Now all that is left to do is to top the pasta with the marinara sauce and cheese.

Serving Suggestions With Beef and Cheese Manicotti

While Beef and Cheese Manicotti is a satisfying dish on its own, you can make it a complete meal by serving it with some delicious side dishes.

A simple green salad dressed with a vinaigrette dressing will lighten up the meal. In addition, if you start with a salad, you may even have leftover manicotti to enjoy the next day.

But my favorite item to serve with any Italian meal is homemade garlic knots or garlic bread. It is a great way to soak up any marinara sauce or cheese that may be left on your plate.

Possible Recipe Variations

While this Beef and Cheese Manicotti recipe is a classic recipe, you can always get creative and make it take one a few different flavors. Here are some common recipe variations:

• Vegetarian Manicotti: Substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a mixture of your favorite vegetables for a meatless version.
• Spicy Sausage and Ricotta Filling: Swap out the beef for spicy ground sausage. The flavors pair perfectly with the cool and creamy cheese filling.
• Different Sauces: Top the pasta with Alfredo or pesto sauce. This will give the dish a whole new flavor.

Beef and Cheese Manicotti Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 1/2 pound ground beef, lean
• Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 7 manicotti pasta shells
• 7.5 ounces ricotta
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan
• 1 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

INSTRUCTIONS

Cook The Manicotti

Cook the manicotti in a large pot of salted boiling water until slightly softened, but still very firm to the bite, approximately 4-6 minutes.

While the pasta is cooking brush 1 teaspoon of oil over a large baking sheet. Then use a slotted spoon and transfer the manicotti from the pot to the oiled baking sheet and let it cool.

Prepare The Filling

Place a medium skillet placed over medium heat add 1 teaspoon of the olive oil. Once hot add the diced onion and ground beef. Season with salt and pepper.

Saute until the meat browns and the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, drain and cool.

In a large mixing bowl add the ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and parsley and mix to combine.

Add the minced garlic, salt, and pepper to taste, and mix again until well incorporated.

Stir the cooled meat mixture into the cheese mixture.

Assemble The Beef and Cheese Manicotti

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 8 x 8 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Spoon 1 1/2 cups of the marinara sauce over the bottom of the sprayed baking dish. Set aside.

Using a soup spoon, fill the manicotti shells with the meat and cheese mixture until it is firmly packed.

Arrange the stuffed pasta in a single layer in the prepared dish and spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the top, being sure to cover the top of the noodles.

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese, then the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan over the stuffed pasta. Dot the top with the butter pieces.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered for 30-35 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling on the sides and the cheese has melted.

Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy! Mary

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