Cheesy Beef Stuffed Manicotti
When I think of comfort food, Cheesy Beef Stuffed Manicotti always comes to mind. This dish reminds me of family dinners around the table, laughter filling the air. One busy weeknight, I decided to make Cheesy Beef Stuffed Manicotti for my family. I knew everyone would love it, especially with the gooey cheese and savory beef filling. As I prepared the ingredients, I felt excited to create something special that would bring us all together.
Preparing the Dish
First, I boiled the manicotti shells, making sure they cooked just right. While they were bubbling away, I browned the lean ground beef in a skillet, adding finely chopped onions and minced garlic. The smell of the onions cooking made my kitchen feel warm and inviting. After mixing in the marinara sauce, I couldn’t resist tasting the meat sauce. It was so rich and delicious! Next, I carefully stuffed each manicotti shell with string cheese, imagining how gooey they would be once baked. Layering the stuffed shells in the casserole dish over the sauce made it look like a work of art.
Baking and Enjoying
Once everything was ready, I covered the dish with foil and popped it into the oven. As it baked, the kitchen filled with an amazing aroma that made my mouth water. After 25 minutes, I removed the foil and sprinkled mozzarella cheese on top. I watched as the cheese melted and bubbled, turning golden brown. It felt like a true celebration of flavors, and I couldn’t wait to serve it to my family.
Family Time
When I finally brought the Cheesy Beef Stuffed Manicotti to the table, everyone’s eyes lit up with joy. We all gathered around, eager to dig in. Each bite was a warm hug, filled with cheesy goodness and hearty beef. As we shared stories and laughter, I knew this dish would become a favorite in our home. Cheesy Beef Stuffed Manicotti had turned an ordinary weeknight into a special family moment, and I felt grateful for the simple pleasures of cooking and sharing food with loved one
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes-Cheesy Beef Stuffed Manicotti
- When cooking manicotti shells, be careful not to break them. Gently stir them while boiling to prevent sticking, and use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water.
- Use a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with the corner snipped off to easily fill the manicotti shells with the meat and cheese mixture. This will ensure even filling without mess.
- Consider adding Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, or dried herbs (like oregano or thyme) to the meat sauce for added flavor.
- You can prepare the stuffed manicotti in advance. Just assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
- Pair with a light salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables to complement the richness of the dish and balance the meal.
- For extra creaminess, mix some ricotta cheese into the mozzarella filling. You can also experiment with different cheeses like fontina or provolone for a unique flavor.
- To freeze leftovers, allow the manicotti to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Cheesy Beef Stuffed Manicotti
4
servings15
minutes25
minutes350
kcal40
minutesIndulge in a comforting plate of Cheesy Beef Stuffed Manicotti that’s perfect for busy weeknights! Bursting with savory ground beef, gooey string cheese, and rich marinara sauce, this dish is both simple and satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe guides you effortlessly from prep to plate. Ideal for family dinners, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will adore. Get ready to elevate your pasta game with this delicious and easy-to-make favorite that promises to become a staple in your culinary repertoire!
Ingredients
- Shells and Pasta
8 tubes manicotti
16 ounces marinara or your favorite tomato-based pasta sauce
- Meat Filling
2/3 pound lean ground beef
1/3 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1 clove garlic minced
- Cheese Filling
8 sticks string cheese
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
- Garnish
2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- Alternative Ingredients:
Ground beef: Substitute with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a vegetarian option.
String cheese: Use ricotta cheese or dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free alternative.
Manicotti shells: Replace with cannelloni or jumbo pasta shells if needed.
Part-skim mozzarella: Opt for whole milk mozzarella or vegan mozzarella for different fat content or dietary preferences.
Spaghetti sauce: Use homemade marinara or a different tomato basil sauce as an alternative.
Onion: Substitute with shallots or green onions for a milder flavor.
Garlic: Replace with garlic powder using 1/2 teaspoon for a different texture.
Parmesan cheese: Use nutritional yeast as a dairy-free alternative for a cheesy flavor.
Directions
- Prepare Meat Sauce – In a sizable skillet, brown the lean ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Add the finely chopped onions and continue to cook until the beef is no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes. Incorporate the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, ensuring the garlic is fragrant but not burnt. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the sauce lean.
- Combine with Sauce – Stir the marinara sauce into the beef mixture, mixing thoroughly to combine all flavors. Pour half of the meat sauce into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly to create a flavorful base layer for the manicotti.
- Bake Pasta – Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and prevent drying out. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 25 minutes or until the dish is thoroughly heated through. Remove the foil, evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top, and return to the oven uncovered for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove – Remove the casserole, transfer it to a plate, and serve immediately.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- colander
- casserole dish
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 19.5g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 102mg
- Sodium: 362mg
- Potassium: 444mg
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Protein: 34.5g
- Vitamin A: 204IU
- Vitamin C: 1.5mg
- Calcium: 35mg
FAQ-Cheesy Beef Stuffed Manicotti
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a vegetarian option.
What if I don’t have manicotti shells?
If you can’t find manicotti, you can use cannelloni or even jumbo pasta shells as a substitute. Just make sure they are large enough to hold the filling.
Can I prepare the sauce from scratch?
Absolutely! Homemade marinara sauce can enhance the dish. Just simmer tomatoes, garlic, onion, and your favorite herbs for a delicious, fresh sauce.
How do I know when the dish is fully cooked?
The dish should be heated through, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly. If you’re unsure, use a food thermometer; the center should reach at least 165°F (74°C).
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes! The cheesy and meaty flavors are often a hit with kids. You can also sneak in some finely chopped veggies into the meat mixture for added nutrition without compromising taste.
