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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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