Stuffed Manicotti Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2 large eggs
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (divided)
- 1 package (8 oz) manicotti noodles
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
- Drain excess fat and transfer the beef to a bowl to cool slightly.
- Cook the Manicotti Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the manicotti noodles and cook for about 5 minutes, or until slightly softened but still firm (they will finish cooking in the oven).
- Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, eggs, ricotta cheese, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, dried parsley, dried oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Stuff the Manicotti:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce (about 1 cup) on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Carefully fill each manicotti noodle with the beef and cheese mixture. You can use a small spoon or a piping bag to make this easier.
- Place the stuffed manicotti in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top of the stuffed manicotti, ensuring they are well-covered.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
- Add the Final Touches:
- After 40 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the manicotti cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious stuffed manicotti!
This recipe is perfect for a hearty family meal, and the combination of rich cheese, savory ground beef, and flavorful marinara sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy! 😋