Description
Hearty pasta tubes stuffed with seasoned ground beef and creamy cheeses, baked in rich marinara sauce until bubbly and golden for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
- 20–24 pasta tubes (manicotti or cannelloni)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta tubes according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until softened, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, and the cooked beef mixture. Stir until well blended.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Stuff each pasta tube with the beef and cheese mixture and arrange in the baking dish.
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed pasta and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add sautéed spinach for extra flavor and color.
- Mix in red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
- Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Add a spoonful of cream cheese for a creamier filling.
- Assemble a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
