Beef and Cheese Manicotti
This Italian dish features pasta shells stuffed with a delicious mixture of ground beef, ricotta, and mozzarella cheeses, all smothered in marinara sauce. A comforting meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Manicotti
- 12 pieces manicotti pasta shells
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves for garnish
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Carefully add the manicotti shells and cook them until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Assembly
- Fill each manicotti shell with the beef and cheese mixture using a spoon. Place the stuffed shells upright in a greased baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce evenly over the manicotti and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
Baking
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Serving
- Let the dish cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Notes
Consider serving with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A drizzle of extra marinara sauce can enhance the flavor.