Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Manicotti

Ingredients

For the filling:

• 12 manicotti or cannelloni pasta shells
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups marinara sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the cheese topping:

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup ricotta cheese (optional, for a creamier filling)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook manicotti for about 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and let cool slightly.
2. Prepare the beef:
   Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking up the beef, until browned. Drain excess grease.
3. Add flavor:
   Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute. Add ½ cup marinara sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Make the filling:
   Mix the beef mixture with ricotta, if using, and ¼ cup Parmesan.
5. Fill the pasta:
   Carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the beef mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
6. Assemble:
   Spread about ½ cup marinara sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed pasta in a single layer. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top.
7. Add cheese:
   Sprinkle mozzarella and remaining Parmesan evenly over the pasta.
8. Bake:
   Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
9. Garnish and serve:
   Sprinkle with fresh parsley and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

⏱️ Prep: 25 min | Bake: 35–40 min | Serves: 6

Tip: For the extra-cheesy, restaurant-style look in the picture, add a little extra mozzarella during the last 10 minutes of baking.