A rich and comforting beef and cheese manicotti recipe made with tender pasta tubes stuffed with a savory meat and ricotta filling, baked in a flavorful marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese—perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Beef and Cheese Manicotti Recipe
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the pasta and sauce:
- 12–14 manicotti shells
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Manicotti Shells
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the manicotti shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside carefully so they don’t tear.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked beef mixture and stir until well combined.
Step 4: Fill the Manicotti
Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the beef and cheese mixture. Take your time to avoid breaking the shells.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the filled manicotti in a single layer. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the manicotti rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set and makes serving easier.
Tips
- Use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off for easier filling.
- You can substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for extra flavor.
- Add chopped spinach to the filling for a vegetable boost.