Ground Beef Manicotti

Introduction

Ground Beef Manicotti is a classic Italian-American comfort food that combines tender pasta tubes stuffed with a rich, savory beef and cheese mixture, baked in marinara sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This dish is both hearty and elegant, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even holiday meals.

The magic of manicotti is in the layers of flavor — the soft pasta envelops a creamy, cheesy filling with seasoned ground beef, all smothered in tomato sauce. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory meat, tangy tomato, and gooey cheese.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s both comforting and impressive. The combination of ground beef, ricotta, and mozzarella creates a creamy, satisfying filling, while the baked cheese on top adds a golden, bubbly finish. It’s a dish that feels homemade and indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
• Impressive Presentation: Looks fancy, tastes homemade.
• Versatile: Add vegetables or spices to customize.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance and baked later.
• Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for batch cooking.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
• Total Time: 60–65 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Calories: ~500 per serving (depends on cheese and pasta size)

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (reserve ½ cup for topping)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten

For the Sauce:

• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp sugar (optional, to reduce acidity)

For the Pasta:

• 12–14 manicotti tubes (dry or pre-cooked as directed on package)

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat Oven
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Manicotti (if required)
   • Boil manicotti tubes in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Meat Filling
   • Heat a skillet over medium heat.
   • Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
   • Add onions and garlic; cook until softened.
   • Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
   • Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
   • In a large bowl, combine cooked beef mixture with ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, and egg. Mix thoroughly.
4. Prepare the Sauce
   • In a saucepan, warm marinara sauce with basil, oregano, and optional sugar. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Stuff the Manicotti
   • Spread ½ cup of sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
   • Carefully stuff each manicotti tube with the beef and cheese mixture.
   • Arrange the stuffed tubes in the baking dish.
   • Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top.
   • Sprinkle reserved mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
6. Bake
   • Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
   • Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish & Serve
   • Let the dish rest 5 minutes before serving.
   • Garnish with chopped parsley or basil.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat oven and grease baking dish.
2. Boil manicotti tubes as directed.
3. Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic; season.
4. Mix meat with ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, and egg.
5. Warm marinara sauce with herbs.
6. Stuff manicotti tubes with filling.
7. Place in baking dish, pour sauce over, sprinkle cheese.
8. Bake covered, then uncovered until bubbly.
9. Garnish and serve hot.

How to Serve

• Serve with garlic bread, breadsticks, or a fresh salad.
• Pair with red wine (Chianti, Merlot) or sparkling water.

Recipe Tips

• Use lean ground beef to reduce grease.
• Be careful when stuffing manicotti to avoid tearing the pasta.
• Let casserole rest 5–10 minutes to help it hold its shape.
• Add spinach or finely chopped zucchini to the filling for extra veggies.

Variations

• Italian Sausage: Replace beef with cooked Italian sausage for a spicier flavor.
• Vegetarian: Use a combination of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini instead of meat.
• Four-Cheese Manicotti: Mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone in the filling.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling.
• White Sauce Version: Use Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a creamy twist.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer (Unbaked): Assemble, cover tightly with foil, and freeze up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F, adding 15–20 minutes.
• Freezer (Baked): Cool completely, wrap, and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in oven until hot.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Skillet for cooking beef
• Saucepan for warming sauce
• Large mixing bowl
• Aluminum foil

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the manicotti a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Q2: Do I need to pre-cook the manicotti?
Yes, most dry manicotti tubes need boiling before stuffing. Check package directions.

Q3: Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, substitute cooked vegetables or lentils for the ground beef.

Q4: Can this dish be frozen?
Yes, both baked and unbaked versions freeze well, though unbaked maintains better texture.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Manicotti is a hearty, cheesy, and flavorful casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The combination of tender pasta, seasoned beef, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese makes it a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite. Easy to assemble, make-ahead friendly, and freezer-compatible, this dish is a must-try for lovers of Italian comfort food.