Baked Manicotti with Meat Sauce
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
For the Cheese Filling:
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
12 manicotti shells (or cannelloni pasta)
For Topping:
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon.
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar. Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
Prepare the Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the Manicotti:
Stuff the cooked manicotti shells with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells in the dish, placing them side by side.
Pour the remaining meat sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure they are well covered.
Bake the Manicotti:
Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
This baked manicotti with meat sauce is a hearty, comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner. Enjoy!