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The Most Delicious Meat Stuffed Manicotti

The Most Delicious Meat Stuffed Manicotti

1. What is the best meat for stuffed manicotti? The best meats for stuffed manicotti are a combination of lean ground beef and ground pork, as they add depth of flavor and juiciness to the filling.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 435

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 5 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 teaspoon salt divided
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped
  • 2 tablespoon Italian parsley chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 cups tomato sauce divided
  • ½ cup red bell pepper diced
  • ½ cup green bell pepper diced
  • 1 box 8 oz manicotti pasta
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add lean ground beef and ground pork. Break up the meat and saute until browned. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and saute for 1 minute until fragrant. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, oregano, cumin, and smoked paprika. Add diced red and green bell peppers along with chopped parsley. Stir to combine. Pour in water, tomato paste, and 1 cup of tomato sauce. Mix well. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, until most of the liquid has evaporated. Finish by stirring in chopped fresh basil.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon salt and 2 tablespoon olive oil. Boil manicotti pasta according to package directions (about 9 minutes). Drain and carefully place pasta on a cooling rack or tray in a single layer. Let it cool slightly before stuffing.
  3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the meat filling using a spoon or piping bag. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the dish. Pour remaining tomato sauce over the top and sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  5. Let the manicotti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Storage & Meal Prep
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, in the microwave, or in a 350°F oven until heated through.