Baked Manicotti

Jennifer

Cuisine: American
Categories: Main Dishes, Beef & Pasta

Recipe Source: Terri Cleveland

Baked Manicotti is a beloved Italian-American dish that embodies comfort and indulgence. Tender pasta tubes are filled with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, nestled in a bed of rich tomato sauce, and baked to perfection with a generous layer of melted mozzarella cheese. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to serve a hearty and satisfying meal.

Baked Manicotti

Difficulty: EASY

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Serving Size: 6 servings

Ingredients:

  • 1 (8 oz.) pkg. manicotti noodles
  • 1 lb. lean ground beef
  • 1 sm. onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 1/2 c. cottage cheese
  • 2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 1/2 c. Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 egg whites lightly beaten
  • 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1 (32 oz.) jar spaghetti sauce divided

Directions:

  1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, brown beef with onions and garlic on medium heat. Drain off excess grease and cool.
  3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour just enough spaghetti sauce in dish to cover the bottom.
  4. Combine beef, cottage cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, egg whites and oregano. Mix well. Stuff shells with mixture. Place stuffed noodles in the dish.
  5. Cover stuffed noodles with remaining spaghetti sauce and top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
  6. Bake for 50 minutes. Enjoy with a side salad and garlic bread.