Baked Manicotti with Meat Sauce

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Baked Manicotti with Meat Sauce, a hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Tender manicotti shells are stuffed with a creamy ricotta mixture enriched with mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh parsley, then smothered in a robust tomato-based meat sauce simmered with aromatic garlic, onion, and Italian herbs. Topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella, this baked pasta dish delivers a delightful balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. With a golden, bubbly topping and a filling that stays luscious and rich, this recipe is an approachable yet impressive choice for anyone craving classic Italian comfort food. Serve it hot alongside garlic bread and a crisp salad for a complete meal that’s sure to become a household favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:85 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 pieces manicotti shells
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 24 ounces tomato sauce
• 14 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.25 cup water

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

In a large pot, cook the manicotti shells in boiling salted water until they are slightly undercooked (about 6 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small crumbles. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Stir in the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the meat sauce on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

While the sauce simmers, prepare the filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and fresh parsley. Mix until well combined.

Step 6

Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture. Be careful not to overfill or break the shells.

Step 7

Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 8

Arrange the filled manicotti shells in a single layer over the sauce.

Step 9

Pour the remaining meat sauce evenly over the filled shells, ensuring they are fully covered. Add 1/4 cup of water around the edges of the dish to help prevent the pasta from drying out.

Step 10

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the sauce.

Step 11

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.

Step 12

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.

Step 13

Let the manicotti cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2469.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4214.8

Total Fat 186.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 70.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.6g
Cholesterol 701.3mg	0%
Sodium 2881.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 417.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.1g	0%
Total Sugars 40.3g
Protein 210.9g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 1950.9mg	0%
Iron 20.4mg	0%
Potassium 2736.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.1%

Protein: 20.1%

Carbs: 39.8%