I remember the first time I tasted beef and cheese manicotti. It was at a family gathering, the kind where everyone brings their favorite dish. My aunt, known for her Italian cooking, brought this cheesy, meaty delight. I was hooked after the first bite.
There’s something comforting about the combination of tender pasta, savory beef, and melty cheese. It feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whenever I make it, I’m reminded of those joyful family moments, filled with laughter and love.
If you’re looking for a dish that’ll bring people together, this is it. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a special occasion, beef and cheese manicotti never fails to impress.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to create this delightful beef and cheese manicotti. Let’s start with the filling.
For The Manicotti Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For The Marinara Sauce
- 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 manicotti shells
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Gather these ingredients and you are ready to dive into the magical world of making beef and cheese manicotti.
Equipment Needed
You’ll need a few kitchen tools to whip up some tasty beef and cheese manicotti. Grab a large skillet to cook the beef nice and evenly.
A big pot is essential for boiling the manicotti shells to perfect tenderness.
Directions
Get ready to create beef and cheese manicotti that will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Here’s how to make it step-by-step.
Prep
First, gather all your ingredients and equipment.
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Cook manicotti shells in a large pot of boiling water until they’re just tender but still firm. Drain and set them aside.
Cook The Beef Filling
In a large skillet, cook 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat.
Stir until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Drain excess fat, sprinkle in salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then mix well.
Prepare The Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, combine 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 1 egg, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Stir in a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of parsley, mixing until smooth and creamy.
Assemble The Manicotti
Spread a cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of a baking dish.
Fill each manicotti shell with beef and cheese mixture. Use a spoon or a piping bag if you’d like.
Lay stuffed shells in the dish, side by side.
Bake
Pour remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove foil and bake for 10 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serving Suggestions
I love sharing my beef and cheese manicotti with a fresh green salad. The crisp lettuce and tangy dressing balance the rich, cheesy pasta.
Garlic bread is another must for me. It’s perfect for mopping up that tasty marinara sauce.
For drinks, I like pouring a glass of red wine. It pairs well with the hearty beef flavors.
If you have kids around, a simple lemonade or iced tea works great too. It keeps the meal light and fun.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Wanna make life easier? You can prep this dish ahead of time.
First, I cook the beef filling and let it cool.
Then, I mix it with my cheesy filling and stuff those shells.
I layer everything in the baking dish, cover it, and pop it in the fridge.
This lasts up to 24 hours. When I’m ready, I just bake it straight from the fridge.
I add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time to be sure it’s piping hot.
Perfect for busy days or lazy nights.
Conclusion
Beef and cheese manicotti holds a special place in my heart, and I hope it finds its way into yours too. It’s more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and family moments.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this recipe promises warmth and satisfaction.
So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into the delightful experience of making beef and cheese manicotti. I can’t wait for you to create your own cherished memories with this timeless classic. Happy cooking!
