Creamy Ricotta Stuffed Manicotti with Hearty Meat Sauce

Irresistible Stuffed Manicotti Meat My Easy Italian Family Secret

By Marcus O’NeillSeptember 28, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Get Ready for Irresistible 12 Stuffed Manicotti Meat

Fancy a proper taste of Italy, without the plane ticket? I asked myself, what food takes you straight to Nonna's kitchen? Irresistible 12 Stuffed Manicotti Meat is the answer! This isn't just dinner; it's a hug on a plate.

It's the kind of dish that makes everyone gather 'round the table.

What’s the Story Behind Meat And Cheese Manicotti ?

This Manicotti Recipe Italian dish is more than just food. It's pure comfort. Its roots trace back to the Italian American kitchens.

It's where simple ingredients turn into something spectacular. It is easy to cook Ricotta Stuffed Manicotti . This Easy Manicotti Dinner can be done in 1 hour 30 minutes.

This recipe is a medium level, and makes enough for 6 hungry people.

Why You'll LOVE This Stuffed Manicotti Shells

Honestly, this Manicotti With Meat is all about feeling good. It’s packed with protein from the ground beef. It's calcium rich with the ricotta and mozzarella.

Plus, it’s perfect for a family Sunday dinner. Or any time you need some proper comfort food. The reason this Beef Manicotti Recipe stands out is that it's so customisable.

Switch to ground turkey for a lighter twist! A dash of chilli flakes in the Homemade Manicotti with Meat Sauce gives a proper kick.

This Baked Pasta Shells with Meat is easy and flexible!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

Okay, so you're ready to make this amazing Irresistible 12 Stuffed Manicotti Meat dish? Sweet! Don’t worry about getting overwhelmed. It is not a race. First, let's chat about what you'll need.

Main Ingredients You Can't Live Without

Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). The base, innit?
Ground beef: 1 pound (450g). Get good quality mince, it makes a difference.
Onion: 1 medium , chopped. About a cup's worth.
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Don't be shy, you know?
Crushed tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can (800g).
Tomato sauce: 1 (15 ounce) can (425g).
Tomato paste: 1 (6 ounce) can (170g).
Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon (5 ml).
Dried basil: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml).
Red pepper flakes (optional): 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml). For a bit of a kick.
Salt: 1 teaspoon (5 ml).
Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml).
Water: 1/2 cup (120 ml).
Bay leaf: 1 . Don't forget to take it out later!
Ricotta cheese: 1 (15 ounce) container (425g), whole milk. Trust me on this.
Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (50g), grated, plus extra for topping.
Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten.
Fresh parsley: 1/4 cup , chopped.
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml).
Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml).
Nutmeg: A pinch.
Dried manicotti shells: 12 . We will have Manicotti With Meat Tonight!.
Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups (200g), shredded. Load it up!

Seasoning Secrets

Honestly, the oregano and basil are a must. That's proper Italian, right there. Red pepper flakes? That's your call. Want more flavor? A dash of garlic powder will do the trick.

Don’t have fresh parsley? Dried is fine, just use half the amount.

Equipment: Keep it Simple

Large skillet or Dutch oven
Large mixing bowl. Meat And Cheese Manicotti filling is mixed here!.
9x13 inch baking dish.
Spoon or piping bag. For stuffing those bad boys.

Got all that? Good! A baking dish, Easy Manicotti Dinner will be ready soon. You don’t need fancy gear to whip up this Beef Manicotti Recipe .

A fork works for mixing, and a spoon works for stuffing. If you don't have a baking dish, use a deep roasting pan.

Now, about these shells. If you want softer shells, boil for few minutes. Most people prefer to work the Manicotti Recipe Italian Style, with uncooked shells.

Ready to cook this Stuffed Manicotti Shells ? Let's get this Homemade Manicotti with Meat Sauce ! And finally, you can get this great and easy Manicotti Recipe Easy Ground Beef .

But it doesn't matter how easy it is. You always have to do a Baked Pasta Shells with Meat in order to call it success.

Alright, let's talk about making something utterly divine. I'm talking about the ultimate comfort food: Irresistible 12 Stuffed Manicotti Meat ! Honestly, this is one of those dishes that makes everyone happy.

Like, proper happy. Who can resist cheesy, saucy pasta? It’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser. I remember making this for a family gathering and it was gone in minutes! Everyone was asking for the recipe, you know?

Prepping for Manicotti Magic

Creamy Ricotta Stuffed Manicotti with Hearty Meat Sauce presentation

First things first, let's get organised. That's the secret to stress free cooking, innit? We're going for that essential mise en place.

Chop your onions, mince your garlic, and measure out all your spices. It might seem like a faff, but trust me, it'll save you loads of time later.

Also, be sure to wash your hands frequently! Safety first. Nobody wants rogue germs in their Beef Manicotti Recipe .

step-by-step to Ricotta Stuffed Manicotti Heaven

Brown your beef in a large skillet over medium heat until, well, brown! Then drain any excess fat. Nobody wants greasy Manicotti With Meat .
Sauté your onion and garlic in a bit of olive oil. Cook until they're soft and fragrant about 5 minutes .
Add your crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, herbs, and spices to the skillet. Stir it all together and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes . The longer it simmers, the richer the flavour!
While the sauce is simmering, mix your ricotta, Parmesan, egg, parsley, salt, pepper, and nutmeg in a large bowl. This is your cheesy filling!
Stuff each manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture. You can use a spoon or a piping bag. Honestly, a piping bag makes it so much easier.
Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed Manicotti Recipe Easy Ground Beef shells in a single layer.
Pour the remaining sauce over the shells, and then sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20 minutes covered with foil, then remove the foil and bake for another 20- 25 minutes , or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Homemade Manicotti with Meat Sauce Pro Tips

One thing I've learned the hard way? Don't overcook the Stuffed Manicotti Shells ! Slightly undercooking the pasta beforehand helps keep it from getting mushy in the oven.

Also, and this is a game changer: Make the meat sauce a day ahead. The flavour will be even better the next day.

If you're looking for an Easy Manicotti Dinner , try making the filling and sauce ahead of time. Then all you have to do is stuff the shells and bake them.

You could even freeze them. Meat And Cheese Manicotti perfection whenever you fancy it! A great and fulfilling meal. This Manicotti Recipe Italian can be made your own.

Give it a try!

Okay, let's chat about making this Irresistible 12 Stuffed Manicotti Meat ! It's easier than you think, honestly. I know some people get intimidated by Stuffed Manicotti Shells , but trust me, you've got this!

Recipe Notes for Manicotti Magic

Right, so you've got your Homemade Manicotti with Meat Sauce ready to go. Now, here are a few things I've learned along the way to really make this dish sing.

How To Serve Your Masterpiece

Presentation matters, you know? I like to plate up two Meat And Cheese Manicotti per person with a generous spoonful of the sauce.

A sprinkle of fresh parsley always makes it look fancy. For a side, some crusty garlic bread is essential to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Trust me on this one! And a glass of Chianti? Chef's kiss. If you're after something lighter, a green salad works wonders too.

Or maybe some roasted asparagus?

Storage Secrets

Leftovers? Lucky you! The Beef Manicotti Recipe is great the next day. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days .

You can also freeze them! Wrap each manicotti individually in cling film and then pop them in a freezer bag.

They'll keep for up to two months . To reheat, just bake them from frozen at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.

Honestly? I sometimes microwave them if I'm feeling lazy.

Remixing the Recipe

Want to switch things up? Try using ground turkey instead of beef. It's a bit lighter. Or, if you're veggie, swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a Ricotta Stuffed Manicotti vegetarian version.

It is a great adaptation to your dietary options. For a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or the filling.

Oh, and in the summer, use fresh basil and oregano from the garden if you have them. The Manicotti Recipe Italian just gets better with fresh herbs.

A Little Nutrition Nudge

Okay, so this Manicotti With Meat is definitely comfort food, but let's keep it real. Each serving is around 650-750 calories, with about 40-45g of protein, thanks to all that cheese and beef! Plus, you're getting fiber from the tomatoes in the sauce.

The protein and fibre keeps you full and satisfied, so you won’t be reaching for a snack. Honestly, the main health benefit is probably the sheer joy this dish brings!

Finishing Touches

So there you have it. My tips and tricks for Easy Manicotti Dinner success. Don't be scared to experiment and make it your own! With this Manicotti Recipe Easy Ground Beef , you can make something amazing.

Get creative! You've got this. Happy cooking.

Manicotti Recipe Irresistible Meat Stuffed Pasta Shells

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pre-cook the manicotti shells? They seem like they might fall apart!

Great question! Pre-cooking the manicotti shells is optional. Some folks find it makes them easier to stuff and less likely to crack, but it also increases the risk of them becoming mushy. If you choose to skip pre-cooking, just make sure your meat sauce is fairly wet to help the pasta cook through while baking.

Can I make the meat sauce for this Irresistible 12 Stuffed Manicotti Meat dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I often recommend making the meat sauce a day or two in advance. This allows the flavours to meld together beautifully, creating an even richer and more delicious sauce. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and warm it up before assembling your manicotti.

Think of it like letting a good stew sit overnight it only gets better!

What's the best way to stuff the manicotti? It seems a bit fiddly!

Stuffing manicotti can be a bit like threading a needle, but don't let it intimidate you! A piping bag (even a Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off) is your best friend here. You can also use a spoon, but it's a bit messier.

Gently twist the filling into each shell, being careful not to overfill them, otherwise they will explode! Remember that practice makes perfect, so don't worry if your first few aren't exactly works of art.

Can I freeze this Irresistible 12 Stuffed Manicotti Meat after it's cooked?

You bet! Manicotti freezes wonderfully, making it a great make-ahead meal. Let it cool completely, then wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Alternatively, you can portion it into individual containers for easy lunches.

To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also freeze it uncooked but you need to add extra bake time.

Any ideas for making a healthier version of this Irresistible 12 Stuffed Manicotti Meat?

Definitely! You can lighten things up by using ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef in the sauce. Consider using part skim ricotta cheese. Adding chopped vegetables like spinach or zucchini to the ricotta filling is another great way to boost the nutrients and fibre content.

Remember, a few simple swaps can make a big difference without sacrificing flavour. Also be mindful of portion sizes!

Can I make this Irresistible 12 Stuffed Manicotti Meat vegetarian?

You sure can. To make the manicotti vegetarian replace the ground beef with sauteed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini. You can keep the flavor profile of the recipe by using vegetarian "meat" crumbles. You may add lentils for an extra vegetarian protein kick!

Creamy Ricotta Stuffed Manicotti With Hearty Mea

Irresistible Stuffed Manicotti Meat My Easy Italian Family Secret Recipe Card

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Preparation time:30 Mins

Cooking time:45 Mins

Servings:6 Servings

Instructions:

Prepare the Meat Sauce: Brown ground beef, drain fat. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. Add remaining sauce ingredients, bring to a simmer, and cook for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaf before assembling.
Prepare the Ricotta Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well until smooth and evenly combined.
Cook Manicotti (Optional): Lightly cook the manicotti shells for a few minutes to soften slightly. This makes them easier to stuff and less prone to cracking. Or leave them uncooked if preferred
Stuff the Manicotti: Fill each manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture, using a spoon or piping bag.
Assemble the Dish: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells in a single layer over the sauce.
Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining meat sauce over the manicotti. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
Rest and Serve: Let the manicotti rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly.