Description
Experience the joy of Ina Garten’s stuffed manicotti, a comforting dish filled with rich flavors and gooey cheese, perfect for dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz Manicotti (Slightly undercooked)
- 1 lb Ground Beef (Can substitute with ground turkey)
- 1 medium Onion (Chop coarsely)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 15 oz Whole-Milk Ricotta (Low-fat can work in a pinch)
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella (Provolone can be used as an alternative)
- ¾ cup Grated Parmesan (Pecorino Romano can enhance flavor)
- ¼ cup Fresh Italian Parsley (Use as garnish if desired)
- 24 oz Marinara Sauce (Store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (Can substitute with butter)
- 2 tbsp Butter (Optional for lighter version)
- Salt and Pepper (Adjust to taste)
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the manicotti. Cook for 4-6 minutes until slightly softened but still al dente. Drain carefully and let cool to handle easily.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add coarsely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in the ground beef, cooking until browned and fully cooked, seasoning with salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with ricotta, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella, ¾ cup of grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley. Mix until well combined and creamy.
- Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheesy filling, ensuring they are packed well but not bursting.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed manicotti in a single layer on top, then pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells. Sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan, and dot with butter.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes for a beautifully golden cheese crust.
- Once baked, let the dish cool slightly for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
- Optional: Drizzle with a splash of olive oil before serving for added richness.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg