Farmhouse Manicotti with Optional Meat Sauce

Experience classic Italian comfort food with a rustic touch in this Farmhouse Manicotti with Optional Meat Sauce. Tender manicotti shells are generously filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and spinach, then baked to perfection under a blanket of marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. For an extra hearty option, add a rich, savory meat sauce made with ground beef or Italian sausage. This crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering a balance of wholesome ingredients and indulgent flavors. Ready in just over an hour, this recipe is easy to prepare and pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or warm, crusty garlic bread. Perfect for lovers of Italian pasta recipes, vegetarian options, or classic comfort foods!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 pieces Manicotti shells
• 16 ounces Ricotta cheese
• 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 10 ounces Frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 large Egg
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Dried Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 32 ounces Marinara sauce
• 1 pound Ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil (optional, for meat sauce)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with nonstick spray or olive oil.

Step 2

Cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions in salted boiling water, making sure they remain slightly firm (al dente). Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, thawed and drained spinach, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.

Step 4

If making the optional meat sauce, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease. Stir in the marinara sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 5

Using a teaspoon or piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture. Place the filled shells in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.

Step 6

If using meat sauce, pour it evenly over the filled manicotti shells. If not using meat, pour the plain marinara sauce over the shells, ensuring they are fully covered. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Step 7

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 8

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2991.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5210.2

Total Fat 257.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 119.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 1055.7mg	0%
Sodium 6357.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 435.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.2g	0%
Total Sugars 30.7g
Protein 309.9g	0%

Vitamin D 85.5IU	0%
Calcium 5009.7mg	0%
Iron 28.0mg	0%
Potassium 3629.8mg	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: 43.7%

Protein: 23.4%

Carbs: 32.9%