Best Beef Manicotti Recipe: Simple & Delicious

A delectable beef manicotti recipe offers a satisfying and flavorful Italian-American classic. This recipe provides a comprehensive guide, from ingredient selection to cooking instructions, ensuring a successful culinary experience. The detailed steps and tips included aim to simplify the process and result in a consistently delicious dish. Understanding the nuances of this recipe, from preparing the meat filling to achieving perfectly baked pasta tubes, is key to maximizing its appeal. This comprehensive guide covers everything needed to confidently prepare this comforting and hearty meal. Finally, troubleshooting common issues further enhances its practicality.

This beef manicotti recipe is a testament to the versatility and enduring popularity of Italian-American cuisine. The combination of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and tender pasta creates a dish that appeals to a wide range of palates. Proper preparation of each component is crucial; for instance, pre-cooking the meat filling prevents a raw or undercooked final product. The careful layering of ingredients during assembly is another essential step for achieving optimal texture and flavor. The baking process requires attention to detail to ensure the manicotti is cooked through without becoming dry. The final result is a deeply satisfying dish, perfect for a family meal or special occasion.

Mastering this recipe can unlock new culinary skills and expand one’s repertoire of comforting dishes. The detailed instructions and helpful tips provided ensure that even novice cooks can achieve excellent results. The recipe’s adaptability also allows for creative variations, accommodating personal preferences and dietary needs. Experimentation with different cheeses, herbs, or vegetables can lead to exciting and unique variations of this classic dish. The satisfaction of creating such a delicious and impressive meal from scratch is incredibly rewarding.

Ingredients for this Beef Manicotti Recipe

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 9 manicotti shells
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions for this Beef Manicotti Recipe

1. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat; drain excess fat.
2. Add onion and garlic to skillet; cook until softened.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat and cook for 15 minutes.
5. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley.
6. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
7. Fill each manicotti shell with ricotta mixture.
8. Arrange filled manicotti in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
9. Pour meat sauce over manicotti.
10. Top with mozzarella cheese.
11. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Estimated Cooking Time and Servings for this Beef Manicotti Recipe

This recipe provides a detailed breakdown of the preparation time, cooking time, and the number of servings the recipe yields. Accurate timing is crucial for achieving optimal results in this recipe, ensuring the meat is fully cooked and the pasta is tender yet firm. Proper portioning allows for consistent serving sizes, ensuring each guest receives a generous and satisfying portion of this delicious dish. The table below summarizes this information for easy reference.

Nutritional Information for this Beef Manicotti Recipe

This section provides an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, highlighting the key nutritional components of the recipe. While precise values may vary based on specific ingredients used, this information offers a general guideline for dietary awareness. Understanding the nutritional profile assists in making informed dietary choices and incorporating this dish into a balanced meal plan. The data is approximate and may vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used. Please consult a nutritionist for personalized dietary advice.

Tips for Cooking this Beef Manicotti Recipe

Several key techniques can enhance the final product. Following these suggestions will improve the taste, texture, and overall presentation of this delicious dish. These techniques ensure that each component is prepared optimally, resulting in a more flavorful and visually appealing manicotti. Paying attention to these details elevates the cooking experience and guarantees a superior end result.

1. Pre-cook the meat filling: Ensure all the meat is cooked through before assembling the manicotti to prevent undercooked meat.

   This step ensures a safer and more palatable final product.

2. Don’t overfill the manicotti shells: Overfilling can cause them to break during baking.

   Proper filling ensures even cooking and prevents structural integrity issues.

3. Use a well-drained meat sauce: Excess liquid can make the dish watery.

   Properly draining the sauce ensures a drier, more flavorful manicotti.

4. Grate your own cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes more flavorful.

   Freshly grated cheese offers a superior texture and taste compared to pre-shredded options.

5. Cover the dish for the first 20 minutes of baking: This helps to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly.

   Covering helps even cooking and prevents uneven browning of the cheese.

6. Let it rest: Allow the manicotti to rest for a few minutes after baking before serving.
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   Allowing it to rest helps the filling to set and makes it easier to serve.

The success of this beef manicotti recipe hinges on attention to detail and a careful approach to each cooking stage. Consistency in following the instructions and utilizing the tips offered is key to achieving optimal flavor and texture. By mastering this recipe, culinary enthusiasts can impress friends and family with a classic Italian-American dish made with precision and care. This approach ensures a highly satisfying outcome for both the cook and the diners.

Furthermore, understanding the underlying principles of Italian cooking, such as balancing flavors and textures, enhances the appreciation and execution of this recipe. The careful selection of ingredients and precise execution of cooking steps contribute to the overall quality of this comforting and flavorful dish. This recipe offers a foundation for exploring further culinary creativity and innovation within Italian-American cuisine.

Frequently Asked Questions about this Beef Manicotti Recipe

This section addresses common questions that arise during the preparation of this recipe, providing clear and concise answers. Addressing these concerns proactively ensures a smoother cooking experience and prevents potential issues. These FAQs cover various aspects, from ingredient substitutions to troubleshooting common baking problems, providing comprehensive support for a successful outcome.

1. Can I use different types of pasta shells?

   While manicotti shells are traditionally used, you can experiment with other large pasta tubes, but ensure they are sturdy enough to hold the filling.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

   Yes, you can assemble the manicotti ahead of time and bake it just before serving. Store the assembled dish in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

3. What if my manicotti shells are breaking?

   They may be too dry; try gently simmering them in water for a few minutes before filling. Overfilling can also cause breakage.

4. How can I prevent the sauce from becoming too watery?

   Ensure you drain the meat properly before adding the sauce, and if necessary, you can simmer the sauce uncovered for a longer time to reduce the liquid.

5. Can I freeze this dish?

   Yes, once cooled completely, you can freeze the baked manicotti in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

The beef manicotti recipe presented offers a rewarding culinary experience, blending classic Italian flavors with accessible techniques. The detailed instructions, accompanied by practical tips and FAQs, guide cooks of all skill levels toward a successful outcome. This dish, enjoyed hot from the oven, represents a delicious and fulfilling meal.

Ultimately, mastering this recipe allows for greater culinary confidence and opens doors to further exploration within Italian-American cuisine. The sense of accomplishment derived from creating such a satisfying and comforting dish is a testament to the power of culinary skills and attention to detail. Enjoy!

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