Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Manicotti Bake

Step 2: Make the Beef Filling

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
4. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
5. Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Combine the Cheesy Mixture

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, and the egg.
2. Fold in the cooled beef mixture until well blended. This creates a creamy, savory filling.

Step 4: Stuff the Manicotti

1. Transfer the filling into a piping bag or a large zip-top bag with the corner cut off.
2. Carefully pipe the filling into each manicotti shell. Take your time to avoid tearing the pasta.

Step 5: Assemble the Bake

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells in a single layer over the sauce.
4. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the pasta.
5. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and a little extra Parmesan for a golden crust.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
3. Serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Tips for Success

• Make ahead: You can prepare and stuff the manicotti a day in advance, then bake when ready.
• Use a spoon if needed: If you don’t have a piping bag, a small spoon works fine for stuffing.
• Add variety: Swap ground beef for Italian sausage, ground turkey, or a veggie mixture for a lighter option.
• Homemade sauce: If you have time, simmer a homemade marinara with tomatoes, herbs, and olive oil for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

The Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Manicotti Bake is more than just a pasta dish—it’s a comfort food experience. With its layers of rich sauce, savory beef filling, and gooey cheese, it transforms a simple dinner into something memorable. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this recipe proves that baked pasta never goes out of style.

Would you like me to also create a shorter, beginner-friendly version of this recipe (like a quick guide you can follow while cooking), or keep it detailed like this?