Description
A heartwarming dish filled with creamy ricotta and savory meat sauce, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 12 manicotti shells
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the manicotti shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook manicotti until al dente, about 6-7 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
- Prepare the meat sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Brown the meat, then add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes and herbs. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, blend ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fill the manicotti: Pipe filling into shells carefully.
- Assemble the dish: Spread some meat sauce in a baking dish. Arrange filled shells, cover with remaining sauce, and top with mozzarella.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover and bake for 20 minutes; uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Let it rest: Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Consider preparing the meat sauce in advance and refrigerating it overnight for maximum flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg