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Irresistible 12 Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce Perfection

12 Stuffed Manicotti Meat Sauce

Tender manicotti shells filled with creamy ricotta and baked under a rich, hearty meat sauce blending ground beef and Italian sausage for irresistible comfort food.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 people
Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet
  • 1 9x13-inch baking dish
  • 2 Mixing bowls
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 teaspoon or piping bag for stuffing manicotti tubes
  • 1 colander

Ingredients
  

  • 12 large manicotti shells
  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20
  • ½ lb Italian sausage casings removed
  • 1 medium onion finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 15 oz whole milk ricotta well-drained (about 2 cups)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook manicotti shells in boiling salted water until just al dente, about 6-7 minutes. Drain and lay out on a baking sheet to cool.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion, breaking up the meat, until well browned, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
  • Add minced garlic to the meat and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  • In a large bowl, combine well-drained ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  • Spread half of the meat sauce evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
  • Using a teaspoon or piping bag, fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture. Arrange filled shells seam-side down in the baking dish.
  • Pour remaining meat sauce over the arranged shells. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup mozzarella on top.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Let the baked manicotti rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow filling to set.

Notes

  • Use a piping bag or ziplock bag with a snipped corner to fill shells easily.
  • Drain ricotta well to prevent watery filling.
  • Rest the dish after baking for easier serving.
  • Undercook pasta slightly as it will finish cooking in the oven.
  • Brown meat thoroughly for extra flavor depth.