This Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce is the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, hearty, and rich with savory flavors. The tender pasta tubes are filled with a creamy cheese mixture and smothered in a savory meat sauce, creating a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug. This recipe, passed down from an Italian neighbor, is perfect for Sunday dinners or a special weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the pasta:

• 12 manicotti shells

For the meat sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)

• 1/2 lb Italian sausage (remove casings if needed)

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce

For the cheese filling:

• 15 oz ricotta cheese (whole milk for extra creaminess)

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cook the manicotti shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the meat sauce: In a skillet, cook the ground beef and sausage over medium heat, breaking it up as it browns. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.

3. Make the cheese filling: In a bowl, mix the ricotta, egg, Parmesan, 1 cup of mozzarella, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.

4. Assemble the manicotti: Stuff each manicotti shell with the cheese filling. Spread half the meat sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top and pour the remaining sauce over them. Top with the remaining mozzarella.

5. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrients

(Per 2 manicotti – approximate values)

• Calories: 580

• Fat: 32g (16g saturated, 12g unsaturated)

• Carbohydrates: 38g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 8g

• Protein: 36g

• Sodium: 980mg

• Cholesterol: 145mg

Why Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce is So Delicious

• Cheesy, Creamy Filling: The ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses form a creamy, cheesy filling that pairs perfectly with the tender pasta shells. The addition of egg, basil, and oregano gives the filling an extra depth of flavor, making each bite indulgent and satisfying.

• Savory Meat Sauce: The combination of ground beef and Italian sausage in the meat sauce gives it a rich, savory flavor, while the onions and garlic enhance the depth of the sauce. The marinara sauce ties it all together with its tangy sweetness, making for a perfect complement to the cheesy manicotti.

• Baked to Perfection: After assembling the dish, it’s baked until golden and bubbly, allowing the cheese to melt perfectly and the sauce to soak into the pasta. The top gets slightly crispy while the inside remains creamy and indulgent.

• Comforting and Hearty: This dish is a full meal in itself, offering a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and cheese that will satisfy even the hungriest appetites. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re being wrapped in a blanket of comfort and warmth.

The Key Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, flavorful ingredients that come together to create a comforting, rich dish:

• Manicotti Shells: Manicotti are large pasta tubes that are perfect for stuffing. They’re hearty and hold up well to the rich cheese and meat fillings.

• Ground Beef and Italian Sausage: The combination of ground beef and Italian sausage provides a rich, savory flavor in the meat sauce. The sausage adds a bit of extra flavor and fat, making the sauce even richer.

• Marinara Sauce: A jar of marinara sauce serves as the base of the meat sauce. It’s easy and convenient but still full of flavor. You can also use homemade marinara if you prefer.

• Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta gives the filling its creamy texture. You can opt for whole milk ricotta for an extra creamy filling.

• Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese: Shredded mozzarella provides that gooey, melty texture, while Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the ricotta perfectly.

• Herbs and Spices: Basil, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper bring depth of flavor to the cheese filling and the meat sauce, creating an aromatic and well-rounded dish.

How to Make Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce

Making this dish is simple and comes together in a few straightforward steps:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the manicotti shells according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
   In a skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Break up the meat as it browns. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken.

3. Make the Cheese Filling:
   In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

4. Assemble the Manicotti:
   Using a spoon, carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture. Spread half of the meat sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top and pour the remaining sauce over them. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top of the shells.

5. Bake:
   Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

6. Rest and Serve:
   Let the manicotti rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set, making it easier to slice and serve.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Comfort Food at Its Best: This dish checks all the boxes for comfort food—cheesy, hearty, savory, and incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or making a special meal for your family.

• Perfect for Special Occasions: Stuffed manicotti is a showstopper at dinner parties, holiday feasts, or family gatherings. It’s a meal that looks as impressive as it tastes, and it will definitely be the highlight of the table.

• Leftovers for Days: This recipe makes a generous portion, so there will likely be leftovers. And like most Italian dishes, the flavors only improve the next day, making it a great meal to prep ahead of time.

• Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your taste. Add spinach or mushrooms to the cheese filling for extra flavor, or top the dish with baked Parmesan for a crunchy, cheesy topping.

Serving Suggestions

• With Garlic Bread: Serve the manicotti with garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the rich, savory sauce. The crunch and butteriness of the bread complement the creamy pasta beautifully.

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would provide a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich and cheesy manicotti.

• Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or zucchini for a healthier, colorful side dish.

Conclusion

Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, hearty, and flavorful. With tender pasta shells stuffed with a rich cheese filling and smothered in savory meat sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for Sunday dinners, special occasions, or a cozy weeknight meal. It’s easy to prepare, satisfying, and will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or a casual dinner, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and enjoy this Italian-inspired comfort food!