Irresistible 12-Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce Perfection Recipe
If you’re craving a show-stopping pasta bake that hits all the comforting notes, get ready to fall for Irresistible 12-Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce Perfection. Imagine tender manicotti shells filled to the brim with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and herbs, nestled atop a rich, savory meat sauce, and finished under a blanket of melty cheese. This is the kind of dish that doesn’t just feed a table — it brings everyone together, turning a regular dinner into a celebration of flavor, family, and memories in the making.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Irresistible 12-Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce Perfection truly special is how straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen each ingredient is. Every element, from cheese to sausage, brings its own character, creating the ultimate layered flavor and that signature gooey, hearty texture.
- Manicotti shells (12): The perfect pasta tubes for stuffing, their size and shape are made for this rich filling.
- Ground beef (1 lb): Adds savory depth and hearty bite to the meat sauce.
- Italian sausage (1/2 lb): Brings gentle spice and robust flavor; don’t skip, as it really amplifies everything.
- Onion, diced (1): Builds an aromatic base and a subtle sweetness to balance the sauce.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): For that deep, irresistible fragrance that only garlic can offer.
- Marinara sauce (24 oz): Choose your favorite jar or homemade for a saucy, classic tomato richness.
- Ricotta cheese (15 oz): Super creamy, it gives the stuffing its luscious, velvety core.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded (2 cups): Melts beautifully, ensuring perfect gooey pulls in every bite.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup): For robust, salty-nutty undertones and that signature Italian finish.
- Egg (1): Binds the cheese filling, keeping those flavors together inside the shells.
- Dried basil (1 tsp): Infuses the dish with classic Italian herb aroma and freshness.
- Dried oregano (1 tsp): Delivers earthy, slightly peppery notes for depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing every single flavor.
How to Make Irresistible 12-Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce Perfection
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F first thing, so it has time to heat up just right. This means your manicotti will go in as soon as you’re ready, ensuring even baking and that irresistible melted cheese finish every time.
Step 2: Cook the Manicotti Shells
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then drop in the manicotti shells. Cook them according to the package directions, just until al dente — soft, but firm enough to hold when stuffed. Drain them gently, and set aside on a towel so they don’t stick together. This ensures perfectly plump shells ready for stuffing.
Step 3: Prepare the Hearty Meat Sauce
In a big skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage with the diced onion and garlic. Stir frequently to break up the meat and release those wonderful aromas. Once browned, drain off any extra fat, then stir in your marinara sauce. Simmer everything together for 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld into that savory, tomatoey perfection.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Cheese Filling
In a roomy bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, all the Parmesan, the egg, basil, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until smooth and uniform — this creamy mix is the soul of stuffed manicotti, bursting with rich, herby goodness in every bite.
Step 5: Stuff Those Shells
Using a small spoon or a piping bag (a zip-top bag with the corner cut off works too!), gently fill each cooked manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture. Take your time; overfilling can cause shells to break, and you want each one plump and fully stuffed to give you that ultimate Irresistible 12-Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce Perfection effect.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Spoon half the meaty marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Nestle the stuffed shells in a single layer over the sauce, then cover them with the remaining sauce, ensuring each is coated for maximum flavor and tender baking.
Step 7: Top With More Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded mozzarella right over the top, making sure every inch is covered. This is what guarantees those golden, melty, bubbling pockets of cheese you’ll swoon over when this dish comes out of the oven.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Cover your baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, locking in all that gooey moisture. Then, unveil by removing the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. This final stretch gives you the golden, bubbly, picture-perfect finish that defines Irresistible 12-Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce Perfection.
How to Serve Irresistible 12-Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce Perfection
Garnishes
You can add extra flair with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley just before serving, lending a pop of color and brightness. A dusting of grated Parmesan cheese right as it comes out of the oven makes the flavors sing while amping up that freshly-made look.
Side Dishes
This baked manicotti pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed with light vinaigrette, or a classic garlic bread to soak up every last bit of meaty sauce. For a full Italian-style feast, try some roasted vegetables or a chilled antipasto platter on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring the whole casserole right to the table and serve family-style for easy, joyful plating. For a dinner party, plate two manicotti per serving, drizzle with extra hot sauce from the dish, and crown with a little fresh basil for restaurant-worthy impact. You can even arrange them on a platter in a circle or line them for a more dramatic look — Irresistible 12-Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce Perfection loves to be the star!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your manicotti cool completely, then cover the baking dish with foil or transfer portions into airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, Irresistible 12-Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce Perfection will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days — making fantastic leftovers for quick lunches or next-day dinners.
Freezing
Prepare the entire dish through the assembly step, but before baking, wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. You can also freeze leftovers in individual portions. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator to ensure gentle, even reheating later.
Reheating
To reheat, cover with foil and pop the baking dish into a 350°F oven for about 20 to 30 minutes, until bubbling and heated through. Individual pieces microwave well in a pinch, but oven reheating delivers the best cheesy texture and flavor revival for Irresistible 12-Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce Perfection.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in the filling?
Absolutely! You can add a touch of provolone, fontina, or even a smoked mozzarella to the ricotta mixture for a flavor twist without compromising the signature texture of Irresistible 12-Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce Perfection.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the ground beef and sausage, and boost the filling with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or shredded zucchini. Use a vegetarian-friendly marinara for a still-hearty, meat-free Irresistible 12-Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce Perfection experience.
What’s the best way to stuff the manicotti shells?
If a spoon feels tricky, use a zip-top bag fitted like a piping bag. Pipe gently to fill end-to-end without splitting the pasta, and avoid packing too tightly for that plush, delicious result characteristic of Irresistible 12-Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce Perfection.
Can I use store-bought marinara or should I make homemade?
Either works perfectly! Use your favorite good-quality jarred marinara to save time, or whip up a homemade version if you want to customize the flavors. Both options guarantee wonderful results in this recipe.
Can I assemble Irresistible 12-Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce Perfection ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble the entire dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a lifesaver for busy days and makes entertaining a breeze — just bake as directed when you’re ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
If ever there was a reason to gather friends or family around the table, Irresistible 12-Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce Perfection is it. Stunningly simple yet utterly decadent, it’s the kind of homemade Italian comfort food that turns everyday moments into memorable occasions. Dive in and discover just how much joy a bubbling dish of stuffed manicotti can bring — your kitchen will never be the same!
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Irresistible 12-Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce Perfection Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of this 12-Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce Perfection. This classic Italian dish is a crowd-pleaser, combining tender manicotti shells filled with a cheesy, savory mixture, all baked to perfection in a rich meat sauce.
Ingredients
For Manicotti:
- 12 manicotti shells
For Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
For Cheese Filling:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook manicotti shells according to package directions, drain and set aside.
- Brown ground beef and sausage with onion and garlic in a skillet. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Fill each manicotti shell with cheese mixture.
- Spread half the meat sauce in a 9×13 baking dish.
- Arrange stuffed manicotti over sauce. Top with remaining sauce.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed manicotti
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: Manicotti, Stuffed, Meat Sauce, Italian, Baked Pasta
