Beef Manicotti Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 06, 2025

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Beef Manicotti Recipe: A Flavorful Italian-American Classic

Are you looking for a hearty and delicious Italian-American dinner that's sure to impress? Look no further than this beef manicotti recipe! This recipe combines the richness of beef with the comforting embrace of pasta, creating a dish that's perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any special occasion. Get ready to savor every bite!

What is Manicotti?

Manicotti, meaning "little sleeves" in Italian, is a type of pasta that resembles large tubes. Unlike smaller pasta shapes, manicotti is typically filled with a flavorful mixture before being baked in a rich sauce. This recipe uses jumbo pasta shells, easily found in most grocery stores.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe makes enough to serve 6-8 people. Feel free to adjust the quantities depending on your needs.

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

For the Cheese Filling (Optional):

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Other Ingredients:

• 1 (15 ounce) package jumbo manicotti shells
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide to Beef Manicotti Perfection

Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering beef manicotti that will leave everyone wanting more.

1. Prepare the Beef Filling:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and parsley. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Prepare the Cheese Filling (Optional):

1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

3. Assemble the Manicotti:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
3. Fill each manicotti shell with the beef filling (or a combination of beef and cheese filling).
4. Arrange the filled manicotti shells in the prepared baking dish.
5. Pour any remaining beef sauce over the manicotti.
6. Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese.

4. Bake:

1. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the manicotti is heated through.
2. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
3. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips and Variations for Your Beef Manicotti:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef filling for a little heat.
• Add vegetables: Include chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the beef filling for added nutrients and flavor.
• Use different cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like provolone or Fontina.
• Make it ahead: You can assemble the manicotti ahead of time and bake it later. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

This beef manicotti recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Enjoy the delicious flavors and the satisfaction of creating a wonderful home-cooked meal. Let us know in the comments how your beef manicotti turned out!