Stuffed Manicotti with Easy Meat Sauce

Stuffed Manicotti with Easy Meat Sauce is a hearty baked pasta dish featuring tender tubes filled with creamy ricotta and topped with a savory meat sauce. Inspired by classic Italian-American comfort food traditions, similar to dishes you’d find at places like Olive Garden, this recipe uses simple techniques to build deep flavor. The result is a bubbling, cheesy casserole that’s rich, satisfying, and perfect for sharing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Comfort Food – Creamy cheese filling and savory meat sauce deliver nostalgic flavor.
Family-Style Serving – Bakes in one dish for easy sharing at the table.
Balanced Textures – Tender pasta contrasts with hearty sauce and melted cheese.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Can be assembled in advance and baked later.
Beginner Accessible – Straightforward steps with forgiving techniques.
Crowd-Pleasing Meal – Appeals to both kids and adults.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Stuffed Manicotti

12 dried manicotti shells – Form sturdy tubes for holding filling.
15 oz ricotta cheese – Creates a creamy, mild filling base.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Adds melt and stretch.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Provides sharp, salty flavor.
1 large egg – Binds the cheese mixture.
1 teaspoon dried oregano – Adds herbal depth.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances savory notes.
Salt and pepper, to taste – Balance seasoning.

For the Easy Meat Sauce

1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage – Supplies hearty protein and flavor.
1 small onion, finely chopped – Adds sweetness and aroma.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Builds savory complexity.
24 oz marinara sauce – Forms the tomato base of the sauce.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Enhances herb flavor.
Salt and pepper, to taste – Adjust final seasoning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Manicotti Shells
Boil manicotti in salted water until al dente according to package directions. Drain carefully and cool slightly to prevent tearing.

Prepare the Meat Sauce
Brown the meat in a skillet over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, then stir in marinara and seasoning and simmer briefly.

Mix the Cheese Filling
Combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and seasonings in a bowl. Stir until smooth and evenly blended.

Preheat and Stuff the Pasta
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Fill each shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag.

Assemble the Baking Dish
Spread a thin layer of sauce in a 9×13-inch dish. Arrange stuffed manicotti in a single layer and cover with remaining sauce and mozzarella.

Bake Covered
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.

Finish Baking Uncovered
Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes more until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest briefly before serving.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Cook Pasta Gently – Avoid overboiling to prevent tearing.
Use a Piping Bag – Makes filling shells cleaner and faster.
Season Each Layer – Proper seasoning builds depth.
Rest Before Serving – Allows filling to set slightly.
Add Fresh Herbs – Basil or parsley brighten the dish.
Don’t Overcrowd Pan – Even spacing ensures uniform baking.

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Calories: ~520 per serving (estimated)

Perfect Pairings

Garlic Bread – Ideal for soaking up extra sauce.
Caesar Salad – Adds crisp freshness.
Steamed Green Beans – Light vegetable contrast.
Red Table Wine – Complements the tomato sauce.

Ideal Occasions

Family Dinners – Hearty and comforting.
Potluck Gatherings – Easy to transport and share.
Weekend Meals – Perfect for relaxed cooking.
Holiday Comfort Food – Crowd-friendly classic.

Storage & Serving Tips

Refrigerate Leftovers – Store up to 4 days airtight.
Freeze Before Baking – Assemble and freeze for later.
Reheat Covered – Prevents drying out.
Serve Hot – Best texture fresh from the oven.

Creative Variations to Try

Spinach Ricotta Filling – Add sautéed spinach.
Spicy Sausage Sauce – Use hot Italian sausage.
Vegetarian Version – Replace meat with mushrooms.
Extra Cheesy Top – Add provolone or fontina.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Torn Pasta Shells – Overcooked or handled too roughly.
Watery Filling – Use whole-milk ricotta and drain excess liquid.
Dry Bake – Insufficient sauce; add more before baking.
Uneven Heating – Rotate dish halfway through.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish succeeds by layering moisture and fat to create a cohesive baked casserole. Al dente pasta finishes cooking in the sauce, absorbing flavor while maintaining structure. The egg-enriched ricotta filling sets gently during baking, forming a creamy interior, while melted mozzarella provides elasticity and browning. Simmered meat sauce contributes umami depth and prevents dryness. Together, these elements produce a balanced, satisfying entrée at roughly 520 calories per serving.

Final Thoughts

Stuffed Manicotti with Easy Meat Sauce is a timeless comfort dish that combines creamy filling, savory sauce, and tender pasta in every bite. Its make-ahead flexibility and crowd-pleasing flavor make it a reliable favorite for busy kitchens. For a lighter version, lean meats or part-skim cheeses can reduce calories while preserving the dish’s comforting appeal.