Stuffed Manicotti with Meat and Cheese Recipe

Transform ordinary weeknight dinners into something extraordinary with this hearty stuffed manicotti featuring tender pasta shells filled with savory ground beef and melted mozzarella cheese. This comforting Italian-American classic combines the best of both worlds: satisfying protein and creamy cheese, all nestled in perfectly cooked pasta and blanketed with a rich, flavorful tomato sauce.

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What Makes This Recipe Special

Unlike traditional cheese-only manicotti, this recipe elevates the classic dish by incorporating seasoned ground beef directly into the filling, creating a more substantial and satisfying meal. The combination of mozzarella cheese and breadcrumbs in the filling ensures perfect texture and binding, while the homemade sauce adds depth and richness that store-bought versions simply can’t match.

Stuffed manicotti ingredients

This recipe is unexpectedly filled with wonderfully developed flavor, and that comes from the best pairing of ingredients. Make sure you take a look at what you’ll need to make this delicious cheese-stuffed manicotti. Here’s a handy list:

For the Sauce:

• Tomato sauce – Forms the flavorful base with natural acidity and sweetness
• Beef gravy – Adds richness and umami depth to complement the meat filling
• Fresh garlic – Provides aromatic foundation and enhances overall flavor complexity
• Sugar – Balances acidity and enhances the natural sweetness of tomatoes
• Fresh basil – Contributes bright, herbaceous notes and authentic Italian flavor

For the Meat Filling:

• Ground beef – Creates the hearty protein base with rich, savory flavor
• Salt – Enhances all flavors and seasons the meat properly
• Black pepper – Adds subtle heat and aromatic complexity
• Breadcrumbs – Binds ingredients and adds texture while absorbing excess moisture
• Shredded mozzarella cheese – Provides creamy texture and mild, melty cheese flavor

For Assembly:

• Manicotti shells – Large pasta tubes explicitly designed for stuffing
• Romano cheese – Adds a sharp, salty finish and a beautiful golden color when baked

How to make stuffed manicotti

1. Combine tomato sauce, beef gravy, garlic, sugar, basil, and water in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until it has thickened. Remove the sauce from the heat and set aside.
3. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir to break up the meat as it browns.
4. Add salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, and mozzarella cheese.
5. Cook and stir the mixture until the cheese has melted. Remove the mixture from the heat and cool it to room temperature.
6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
7. Cook the manicotti according to the package instructions.
8. Fill 16 manicotti shells with the meat and cheese mixture and place the stuffed pasta in a single layer in a baking dish.
9. Pour enough sauce over the pasta to completely cover it.
10. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
11. Sprinkle grated Romano cheese on top.
12. Serve with the remaining sauce. Top with parmesan cheese if desired.

How to Stuff Manicotti

The best way to stuff manicotti is to take the boiled manicotti pasta and use a plastic zip-top bag or pastry bag filled with the meat and cheese filling to fill the shell.

You will need to cut the tip of the bag (or the corner of a zip-top bag). Hold the manicotti in your hand and then carefully apply pressure to the bag to fill the shell.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerator Storage: Store covered for up to 4 days in airtight containers, keeping sauce separate if possible
• Reheating Method: Cover with foil and reheat in 350°F oven for 25-30 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of water if needed
• Freezing Instructions: Wrap completely cooled dish in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months
• From Frozen: Remove wrapping and bake covered at 350°F for 1 hour, then uncover and bake 15 minutes more

What sides go well with manicotti?

If you need some ideas on side dishes to go with this delicious meat and cheese stuffed manicotti, here are a few suggestions on what to serve with stuffed manicotti:

• Air-Fried Asparagus
• Air-Fried Broccoli
• Breadsticks
• Cooked Carrots
• Cucumber Onion Salad
• Garden Salad

Enjoy pasta and Italian food? Try these must-make recipes!

• Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo
• Baked Ziti
• Capellini Pomodoro
• Garlic Butter Pasta
• Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
• Olive Garden Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells
• Spaghetti Casserole

Check out my easy pasta recipes and the best Italian recipes here on CopyKat!