Baked Manicotti With Meat Sauce Recipe

Ingredients for Baked Manicotti With Meat Sauce

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella Cheese
• Eggs
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Nutmeg
• Almonds
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese (1/2 cup + 1/2 cup)
• Mild Italian Sausage
• Manicotti
• Garlic Clove
• Onion
• Spaghetti Sauce

How to Make Baked Manicotti With Meat Sauce

1. Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet, brown 1 lb ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain excess grease.
2. Sauté aromatics: Add 1 medium onion, chopped, and 2 cloves garlic, minced, to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Simmer the sauce: Stir in 28 oz can crushed tomatoes, 15 oz can tomato sauce, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine 15 oz ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix well.
5. Prepare the manicotti: Cook 12 jumbo manicotti shells according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
6. Fill the manicotti: Spoon the ricotta filling into each cooked manicotti shell.
7. Assemble the casserole: Lightly grease a 12x15 inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the dish.
8. Layer the manicotti: Arrange the filled manicotti shells in the baking dish.
9. Top with sauce and cheese: Pour the remaining meat sauce over the manicotti. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese.
10. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
11. Serve: Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.