Stuffed Ina Garten Manicotti Recipe

Stuffed manicotti transports taste buds to a rustic Italian kitchen where pasta becomes pure poetry.

Delicate tubes cradle a luscious medley of melted cheese and seasoned meat that whispers comfort in every forkful.

Robust flavors burst through tender pasta shells, creating a culinary masterpiece that feels both elegant and homey.

Each carefully rolled bundle promises a symphony of textures that ignite dinner table excitement.

Mediterranean influences shine through this classic recipe, transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast.

Layers of creamy ricotta and zesty marinara meld seamlessly, promising a dining experience that lingers long after the last bite.

How to Cook Ina Garten’s Stuffed Manicotti

• Brown Meat Mixture

Sizzle onions and ground beef in a skillet until meat turns golden and onions become soft. Season with salt and pepper. Cool the mixture completely before next steps.

• Soften Pasta Shells

Boil water and cook pasta shells just until they start to become flexible. Transfer to an oiled baking sheet and let cool down. Handle gently to prevent tearing.

• Create Cheese Blend

Mix ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, parsley, and garlic in a bowl. Fold in the cooled meat mixture until everything combines smoothly. The filling should feel creamy and well-incorporated.

• Layer and Assemble

Warm the oven to 350°F. Spread marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish. Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the cheese and meat filling. Arrange shells neatly in a single layer. Pour additional sauce over the top.

• Bake and Serve

Sprinkle extra cheese over the shells. Add small butter dots across the surface. Bake uncovered until the sauce bubbles and the top turns a beautiful golden brown. Let the dish rest briefly before serving to allow flavors to settle and make cutting easier.

Easy Swaps for Stuffed Manicotti Recipe

• Customize the Filling: Mix in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggie goodness. These additions create delightful flavor bursts and boost nutritional value without overwhelming the classic recipe.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Experiment with different cheese combinations like fontina, provolone, or goat cheese. Each cheese brings a unique creamy texture and rich depth that transforms the traditional filling.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. This technique helps busy home cooks manage meal prep without sacrificing freshness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional manicotti pasta with gluten-free pasta shells or zucchini tubes. These alternatives ensure everyone can enjoy this comforting Italian classic, regardless of dietary restrictions.

Serving Tips for Stuffed Manicotti

• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light, refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy manicotti.
• Pair with Crusty Garlic Bread: Slice and toast a rustic Italian bread, brushed with garlic-infused olive oil to complement the pasta's savory flavors.
• Complement with Chilled White Wine: Select a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the dish's creamy texture and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Create Family-Style Presentation: Serve directly from the baking dish, allowing everyone to scoop their own portion and enjoy the communal, warm atmosphere of a home-cooked meal.

Planning & Saving Stuffed Manicotti Meals

• Maximize Meal Prep: Prepare the entire manicotti dish ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours, ensuring flavors develop and meld together perfectly.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Wrap the assembled, uncooked manicotti tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months, creating a convenient make-ahead meal for busy nights.
• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Keep leftover manicotti in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven until heated through and cheese melts.
• Portion and Preserve: Divide the manicotti into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners. Label with the date to track freshness and enjoy within the recommended storage timeframe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything Inside Ina Garten Stuffed Manicotti

• Ground Beef: Select lean beef for a lighter, healthier filling with less grease.
• Onion: Choose fresh, firm onions with no soft spots for maximum flavor intensity.

• Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Pick high-quality, fresh cheeses with smooth, creamy textures for rich, authentic taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Look for bright green, crisp leaves without wilting for vibrant color and fresh herbal notes.
• Garlic: Select firm, plump garlic cloves with tight, unbroken skin for robust, aromatic flavor.

• Manicotti Pasta: Opt for sturdy, thick-walled tubes that can hold substantial filling without tearing.
• Marinara Sauce: Choose a robust, well-seasoned sauce with balanced tomato sweetness and herbal undertones.

• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for rich, fruity base notes.
• Salt and Pepper: Select high-quality sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for enhanced seasoning.
• Butter: Pick unsalted butter for precise flavor control.

Tools Needed for Stuffed Manicotti

• Large Skillet: Perfect for browning beef and sautéing onions evenly.
• Large Pot: Essential for boiling manicotti pasta with plenty of water.
• Slotted Spoon: Helps transfer pasta safely from boiling water to baking sheet.
• Baking Sheet: Provides space for cooling pasta after boiling.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Ideal for blending cheese and meat filling thoroughly.
• 13×9-inch Glass Baking Dish: Creates perfect layers for baking manicotti.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and folding ingredients.
• Cheese Grater: Helpful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.
• Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot dishes.

Effortless Ina Garten Stuffed Manicotti Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s stuffed manicotti brings classic Italian comfort to dinner tables with rich ricotta and herbs. Cheese-filled pasta shells create a satisfying meal that connects families around warm, delectable plates you will savor completely.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 14 manicotti (8 oz package)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (15 oz) container whole-milk ricotta
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup grated Parmesan
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 4 tsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps butter, cut into pieces
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté finely chopped onions with ground beef. Season with salt and pepper, cooking until beef browns and onions turn translucent. Cool the mixture completely.
2. Pasta Handling: Boil salted water and cook manicotti shells until slightly softened but firm. Remove with a slotted spoon and arrange on an olive oil-brushed baking sheet to cool.
3. Cheese Mixture: Blend ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley in a large bowl. Incorporate minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Fold in the cooled meat mixture until evenly distributed.
4. Assembly and Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F. Oil a 13×9-inch glass baking dish and spread marinara sauce on the bottom. Carefully stuff manicotti shells with the cheese-meat mixture, arranging in a single layer. Cover with remaining marinara sauce.
5. Final Touch: Sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan over the shells. Dot with butter fragments. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until sauce bubbles and cheese turns golden. Rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

• Meat Prep Tip: Brown beef thoroughly to develop deep, rich flavors and eliminate raw meat texture. Drain excess fat for a cleaner, more balanced filling.
• Pasta Cooking Hack: Slightly undercook manicotti shells to prevent sogginess during baking. The residual heat and oven time will continue cooking the pasta.
• Cheese Mixture Trick: Mix cheeses at room temperature for smoother, more even incorporation. Fold ingredients gently to maintain light, airy texture.
• Baking Secret: Let dish rest after cooking to allow flavors to meld and cheese to set. Resting helps achieve clean, attractive serving portions and enhances overall taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg