Cheesy Baked Manicotti with Meat Sauce

Instructions:

1. Cook the Manicotti Shells:

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions. Make sure the pasta is al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly. To make it easier to stuff the shells later, you can carefully run cold water over the shells to stop the cooking process.

2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the meat sauce. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes soft and translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Stir in the marinara sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Once the sauce is ready, remove it from heat and set aside.

3. Make the Cheese Filling:

In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese mixture is smooth and well combined. Stir in the fresh parsley if desired for added flavor and color.

4. Stuff the Manicotti:

Carefully stuff the cooked and slightly cooled manicotti shells with the cheese mixture. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for easier stuffing. Be gentle so the shells don’t break.

5. Assemble the Dish:

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells in a single layer on top of the sauce. Once all the shells are placed in the dish, pour the remaining meat sauce over the top of the manicotti, covering them completely. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top for that perfect gooey, cheesy finish.

6. Bake:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the pasta are slightly golden.

7. Serve:

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil for a touch of color and extra flavor. Serve the cheesy baked manicotti with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips:

• You can make the meat sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days, saving time on the day you plan to bake the dish.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can skip the meat sauce and instead use a rich tomato sauce with extra herbs and some sautéed vegetables.
• For added flavor, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on top before baking, or add a dash of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.

Conclusion:

Cheesy Baked Manicotti with Meat Sauce is the epitome of comfort food—filled with rich cheese, savory meat sauce, and baked to perfection. It’s easy to make, but the flavors are so deep and satisfying that it feels like a special occasion meal. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a family dinner, this dish will quickly become a go-to favorite in your recipe rotation. Give it a try, and enjoy the cheesy, meaty goodness that will have everyone coming back for seconds!