Description
This cheesy Baked Manicotti is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish stuffed with a creamy ricotta filling, topped with savory meat sauce, and melted mozzarella. Perfect for a make-ahead family meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box manicotti noodles
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 (15-16 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (or 2 tbsp dried parsley)
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 1 clove fresh garlic, minced)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg
For the meat sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 jar (about 24 oz) tomato sauce
Instructions
- Cook manicotti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay on a baking sheet to cool.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté fresh spinach for 2-3 minutes, or use thawed frozen spinach. Chop it finely and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, mozzarella, egg, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well.
- Cook ground beef and diced onion over medium heat, then drain off excess fat. Stir in the tomato sauce and simmer for a few minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread a few tablespoons of sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Stuff the manicotti tubes with the cheese mixture using a piping bag or Ziploc bag. Arrange in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the stuffed manicotti and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 40-45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Bake uncovered for another 15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prepare the manicotti in advance and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezer-Friendly: Assemble and freeze uncooked manicotti for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Add Protein: You can also add ground turkey, sausage, or chicken to the meat sauce for variety.
- Cook Time: 60