Delicious Meat-filled Manicotti Recipe

Indulge in this mouthwatering meat-filled manicotti recipe that combines tender pasta shells with a flavorful meat and cheese filling. This classic Italian dish is perfect for a hearty family dinner or impressing guests. With a rich tomato sauce and a generous topping of melted cheese, each bite is a delicious blend of textures and flavors. This recipe is easy to make and guarantees to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 16 manicotti shells, cooked according to package instructions
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Directions

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, ground pork, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess grease.
2. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and let it cool.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, and beaten egg. Mix well.
4. Add the cooled meat mixture to the cheese mixture. Stir until thoroughly combined.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce.
7. Take each cooked manicotti shell and carefully spoon the meat and cheese mixture into it. Place the filled manicotti shells side by side in the baking dish.
8. In a medium saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the stuffed manicotti shells in the baking dish.
10. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
11. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
13. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.

Interesting Facts