Beef and Cheese Manicotti

Beef and Cheese Manicotti
This rich and comforting Beef and Cheese Manicotti is the ultimate hearty Italian-American baked pasta dish. Tender manicotti shells are stuffed with a perfectly seasoned mix of savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan cheese, then nestled into a bed of vibrant marinara sauce. Baked to bubbly perfection under a generous layer of melted cheese, every bite offers a harmonious balance of rich meat, tangy tomato sauce, and warm, melty cheese that melts in your mouth. Served hot straight from the oven, it makes a comforting, family-favorite dinner perfect for cozy evenings or special gatherings.

Approx times:
Prep: 25 min - Cook: 35 min
Ingredients
Serves 4 (2 shells)
Pasta
  • 8 manicotti shells
Meat & Cheese Filling
  • ½ lb (225g) lean ground beef
  • 1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (250g) full-fat ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sauce & Topping
  • 2 ½ cups (approx. 20 oz) marinara sauce
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley leaves, for garnish
Directions

Prep the Oven and Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the manicotti shells in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 7–8 minutes). Drain and lay them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent them from sticking together.

Brown the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the meat is browned and no longer pink (about 5–7 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Drain any excess grease and allow the mixture to cool slightly.

Mix the Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, chopped parsley, dried oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked ground beef mixture until fully combined.

Assemble the Dish

Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce across the bottom of an 8x11-inch or 9x13-inch baking dish. Carefully pipe or spoon the beef and cheese filling into each cooked manicotti shell using a spoon or a piping bag/zip-top bag with the corner cut off. Place the filled shells side-by-side in the prepared baking dish.

Sauce and Top

Pour the remaining 1 1/2 cups of marinara sauce evenly over the top of the filled manicotti, ensuring the pasta shells are well covered to keep them moist while baking. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Bake and Serve

Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Allow the manicotti to rest for 5 to 10 minutes to set, then garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley and serve hot alongside a fresh green salad or garlic bread.