Manicotti (Beef or Turkey)
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: Not specified
Calories: 947.6 kcal
Rating: 4 stars
Reviews: 3
Description:
This Manicotti recipe, adapted and perfected over time, promises a delightful culinary experience. Bursting with savory flavors and oozing with cheesy goodness, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress. Originally discovered in a TOH magazine, this version has been tailored to perfection, making it a go-to for any occasion. Plus, it freezes exceptionally well, making it a lifesaver for busy days or as a meal prep option. Dive into layers of meat, cheese, and sauce enveloped in tender manicotti shells for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of beef or turkey
- 1 1/2 cups of onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup of garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs, soaked and squeezed
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- 14 manicotti shells
- 1 jar of spaghetti sauce
Instructions:
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Prepare Ingredients: Begin by soaking the breadcrumbs in water and then squeezing out the excess moisture. Chop the onion finely, mince the garlic cloves, and gather all other ingredients.
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Cook Meat Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, combine the beef or turkey, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and the onion turns tender. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
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Combine Ingredients: To the skillet with the cooked meat mixture, add the soaked breadcrumbs, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated parmesan cheese. Mix everything well until thoroughly combined. This mixture will serve as the filling for the manicotti shells.
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Prepare Manicotti Shells: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
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Stuff Manicotti: Spoon the meat and cheese mixture into each manicotti shell, ensuring they are evenly filled.
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Layer with Sauce: Pour half of the spaghetti sauce into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to coat the bottom.
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Arrange Manicotti: Place the stuffed manicotti shells on top of the sauce in the baking dish.
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Top with Remaining Sauce: Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the stuffed manicotti, ensuring they are generously covered.
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Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the dish is heated through and the sauce is bubbling.
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Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove the manicotti from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or additional grated cheese, if desired.
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Optional Variation: If preferred, you can skip precooking the manicotti shells. Simply add an extra 1/2 cup of water to the sauce and extend the baking time by approximately 30 minutes. This method yields equally delicious results with a slightly different texture.
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Enjoy! Serve this delicious manicotti hot and savor every flavorful bite. Pair it with a crisp salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 947.6 kcal
- Fat: 89.4g
- Saturated Fat: 37.9g
- Cholesterol: 136mg
- Sodium: 825.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 15.9g
- Fiber: 2.2g
- Sugar: 7.4g
- Protein: 18.7g
This Manicotti recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe collection. So go ahead, give it a try, and indulge in the deliciousness of homemade manicotti! 🍝
