Health

Baked Manicotti Recipe

admin 2 min read

Baked Manicotti (Cheese-Filled Pasta) Recipe

A cozy, crowd-pleasing baked manicotti dish featuring tender pasta tubes stuffed with a rich cheese filling, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. Add ground beef or Italian sausage if you want a heartier version.

Baked Manicotti Recipe

Ingredients

  • 12 manicotti pasta tubes
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Boil the manicotti following the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly for easier handling.

  3. Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

    • If using ground beef or sausage, cook it in a skillet until browned, drain excess fat, then stir it into the cheese mixture.

  4. Stuff the pasta tubes: Fill each manicotti with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag (both work well).

  5. Assemble the dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the filled manicotti in a single layer, then spoon the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top.

  6. Add the topping: Sprinkle with shredded cheddar and, if you like extra texture, finish with breadcrumbs.

  7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the top is melted and lightly golden.

  8. Garnish and serve: Scatter chopped fresh parsley over the manicotti and serve hot.