What meat goes well with manicotti?

Ground beef is a classic choice, but mild Italian sausage, veal, or a combination of meats work beautifully. For richer depth, consider shredded beef shoulder roast or even ground turkey for a lighter take.

What is the trick to filling manicotti?

Use a piping bag or a large zip-top bag with the corner cut off. Fill the shells after the meat-ricotta mixture has cooled slightly for best results. It’s faster, cleaner, and fills each tube evenly.

What’s the difference between manicotti and cannelloni?

Manicotti has ridged, tube-shaped pasta that’s often pre-cooked and stuffed. Cannelloni is typically made with rolled pasta sheets and may use more delicate sauces. Manicotti is heartier and more rustic, ideal for meat and ricotta fillings.

What does manicotti mean in Italian?

Manicotti means “little sleeves” in Italian. It’s a fitting name for the pasta tubes that are made to be filled with delicious mixtures like seasoned meat and creamy ricotta cheese.

Manicotti with Meat and Ricotta Cheese: A Cozy Italian Classic with Bold Flavor

Name: Manicotti with Meat and Ricotta Cheese: A Cozy Italian Classic with Bold Flavor
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 manicotti pasta tubes; 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 egg; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley (optional)

Ingredients

Scale

8 manicotti pasta tubes

1 lb ground beef

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella

2 cups marinara sauce

1 egg

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Cook manicotti pasta according to package; drain.

3. In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned.

4. In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, seasoning, and cooked beef.

5. Pipe filling into each manicotti tube.

6. Place filled tubes in a baking dish.

7. Cover with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella.

8. Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes.

9. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes.

10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Notes

To freeze, assemble and cover tightly before baking.

Use a piping bag or zip bag for easiest filling.

Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.

Author: Marlene Grace
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 manicotti
Calories: 480
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: manicotti with meat and ricotta cheese, baked manicotti, Italian comfort food