Name: Indulgent Ina Garten Stuffed Manicotti That Will Wow Your Family Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 pieces manicotti (slightly undercooked); 1 pound ground beef (substitute with ground turkey if desired); 1 medium onion (coarsely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced or use garlic powder); 15 ounces whole-milk ricotta (can substitute with low-fat ricotta); 2 cups shredded mozzarella (consider using provolone); ¾ cup grated Parmesan (can substitute with Pecorino Romano); to taste salt; to taste pepper; ¼ cup fresh Italian parsley (optional, for garnish); 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade); 2 tablespoons olive oil (can use butter instead); 2 tablespoons butter (for dotting on top)

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Introduction

Ina Garten’s stuffed manicotti is an indulgent, comforting dish that combines rich cheese and flavorful beef in tender pasta shells. This recipe is sure to impress your family with its hearty filling and savory marinara sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner that feels special.

A close-up view of a three-layer lasagna in a white oval dish, with the top layer covered in melted, golden-brown cheese and a small green herb leaf on top. Below the cheese is a red tomato sauce that peeks through in spots, followed by a middle layer of cooked ground meat mixed with bits of mushroom in a light brown color. The bottom layer shows wavy-edged pasta sheets that hold the dish together, with some sauce and meat pushed aside near the edge of the dish. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 pieces manicotti (slightly undercooked)
1 pound ground beef (substitute with ground turkey if desired)
1 medium onion (coarsely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced or use garlic powder)
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
15 ounces whole-milk ricotta (can substitute with low-fat ricotta)
2 cups shredded mozzarella (consider using provolone)
¾ cup grated Parmesan (can substitute with Pecorino Romano)
¼ cup fresh Italian parsley (optional, for garnish)
3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons olive oil (can use butter instead)
2 tablespoons butter (for dotting on top)

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the manicotti in a large pot of salted water for 4–6 minutes until just slightly softened. Drain carefully and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, then add the ground beef. Cook until browned, seasoning with salt, pepper, and minced garlic as it cooks.
Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed beef and onion mixture with ricotta, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella, ¾ cup grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley. Stir until evenly mixed.
Step 4: Carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheesy beef mixture using a spoon or piping bag for easier filling.
Step 5: Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed manicotti in a single layer on top of the sauce.
Step 6: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan, and dot the top with butter.
Step 7: Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown on top.
Step 8: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for beef and use low-fat ricotta.
Try adding spinach or mushrooms to the filling for extra vegetables and flavor.
Using a piping bag makes filling manicotti shells easier and less messy.
Homemade marinara sauce adds a fresh, vibrant taste, but store-bought works well for convenience.
Dotting the top with butter gives the cheese a beautiful golden finish and adds richness.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15–20 minutes. This helps keep the dish moist and flavorful.

How to Serve

A single rolled lasagna piece is placed in a white oval dish on top of a white marbled surface. The lasagna has three visible layers: a yellow pasta sheet rolled around a middle filling of browned ground meat mixed with white ricotta cheese, covered with a textured, chunky red tomato sauce, and topped with a smooth layer of melted, golden cheese that is slightly browned in spots. Two sage leaves rest on top as a garnish. There are traces of sauce pooled around the edges of the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed manicotti a day in advance and refrigerate it. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What if I can’t find manicotti pasta?

You can substitute jumbo pasta shells for manicotti. The cooking and filling process remains the same, and they hold the stuffing beautifully.