You'll love this Beef and Cheese Manicotti recipe, perfect for winning over the hearts and taste buds of your family. Start by cooking wide manicotti shells until al dente so they don't tear. Sauté seasoned ground beef with garlic and onions, then create a creamy mixture using ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Fill each pasta shell with the meat and cheese blend for a delightfully hearty meal. Arrange in a dish with marinara sauce, sprinkle mozzarella on top, and bake until bubbly. Let the savory aromas fill your home and get ready to learn tips for perfecting this family favorite.
Key Components for Manicotti
Creating the perfect manicotti begins with understanding its key components: the pasta shells, the savory beef mixture, and the rich, creamy cheese filling.
You'll want to start with wide, tubular pasta shells that can hold a generous filling. The beef should be seasoned and cooked to enhance its natural flavors—think garlic, onions, and herbs.
As for the cheese filling, a mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and a touch of salt creates a deliciously creamy layer that complements the beef.
When preparing your manicotti, remember these essentials:
- Pasta shells: Cook until al dente to prevent tearing.
- Beef mixture: Season generously for depth.
- Cheese filling: Use fresh, high-quality cheeses.
- Baking dish: verify it's large enough for even cooking.
- Oven: Preheat to maintain consistent heat.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan
When you use freshly grated Parmesan in your manicotti, you'll notice how it enhances the dish's rich flavor instantly.
It melts perfectly, creating a creamy texture that pre-grated cheese just can't match. Plus, it adds an authentic touch that elevates your meal to restaurant-quality right at home.
Enhances Rich Flavor
To elevate the rich flavors of your beef and cheese manicotti, freshly grated Parmesan is your secret weapon. This cheese isn't just for garnish; it brings an intense, nutty flavor that complements the savory beef and creamy cheese filling.
When you grate Parmesan fresh, you release its full aromatic potential, making your dish even more irresistible.
It's important to use a fine grater to achieve the perfect texture. This guarantees the Parmesan melds beautifully with the other ingredients, enhancing every bite.
You'll notice a remarkable difference compared to pre-packaged options. By choosing a high-quality Parmesan, you're investing in a depth of flavor that can't be beat.
Melts Perfectly Well
Nothing compares to the way freshly grated Parmesan melts into a luscious, creamy blanket over your manicotti.
It's all about the choice of cheese. When you opt for freshly grated Parmesan, you guarantee it melts perfectly, offering a smooth, rich texture that pre-packaged cheese just can't match.
Grab a block of Parmesan, and use a fine grater to transform it into delicate shreds. As your manicotti bakes, the cheese will blend seamlessly with the other ingredients, creating a cohesive dish.
Adds Authentic Touch
Elevating your manicotti to an authentic Italian delight, freshly grated Parmesan is the key ingredient that can't be overlooked. It brings a rich, nutty flavor that pre-grated versions just can't match.
When you grate Parmesan yourself, you release its full aroma and flavor, enhancing each bite of your manicotti with a genuine Italian flair. The texture is smoother and melts perfectly into the sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
To do this, simply buy a block of Parmesan and use a fine grater. It's quick and easy, yet makes a world of difference.
This small step guarantees your dish isn't just another pasta meal; it becomes an experience. Embrace this authentic touch and watch your family savor every delicious moment.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Beef and Cheese Manicotti Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients
- Action: Gather all necessary ingredients and tools.
- Tools/Ingredients Needed: Manicotti shells, 1 lb ground beef, 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded), 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated), 1 jar marinara sauce, 1 egg, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, olive oil, large skillet, mixing bowl, and baking dish.
- Tip: Make certain all cheeses are shredded and measured before starting. This will help the process go smoothly.
- Cook the Manicotti Shells
- Action: Boil manicotti shells until al dente.
- Tools/Ingredients Needed: Large pot, water, salt, manicotti shells.
- Tip: Add a pinch of salt and a tablespoon of olive oil to the water to prevent the shells from sticking. Avoid overcooking as they'll continue to cook in the oven.
- Prepare the Meat Filling
- Action: Cook the ground beef until browned.
- Tools/Ingredients Needed: Large skillet, spatula, ground beef, salt, pepper.
- Tip: Break the beef into small crumbles for even cooking. Drain excess fat to prevent a greasy filling.
- Mix the Cheese Filling
- Action: Combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and seasoning in a bowl.
- Tools/Ingredients Needed: Mixing bowl, spoon, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper.
- Tip: Confirm the egg is well incorporated to help bind the filling together.
- Combine Meat and Cheese Mixture
- Action: Mix the cooked beef with the cheese filling.
- Tools/Ingredients Needed: Mixing bowl, spoon, cooked beef, cheese mixture.
- Tip: Let the beef cool slightly before mixing to avoid melting the cheese prematurely.
- Stuff the Manicotti Shells
- Action: Fill each shell with the meat and cheese mixture.
- Tools/Ingredients Needed: Spoon or piping bag, cooked manicotti shells, meat and cheese mixture.
- Tip: Use a piping bag for easier filling, or a spoon if you prefer. Be gentle to avoid tearing the shells.
- Assemble the Manicotti
- Action: Layer the baking dish with marinara sauce and filled shells.
- Tools/Ingredients Needed: Baking dish, spoon, marinara sauce, filled manicotti shells.
- Tip: Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking, and leave space between the shells for even cooking.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese
- Action: Cover the shells with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Tools/Ingredients Needed: Spoon, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese.
- Tip: Cover the shells entirely with sauce to keep them moist while baking.
- Bake the Manicotti
- Action: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.
- Tools/Ingredients Needed: Oven, baking dish.
- Tip: Cover with foil for the first 20 minutes to prevent the cheese from over-browning. Remove foil for the last 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and slightly brown.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Action: Let the manicotti cool slightly before serving.
- Tools/Ingredients Needed: Serving utensils, plates.
- Tip: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking to firm up, making it easier to serve. Enjoy with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Gather Essential Ingredients
Before diving into the creation of a delicious beef and cheese manicotti, let's guarantee you have all the essential ingredients on hand.
First, grab a box of manicotti pasta shells. You'll need ground beef, about a pound, to create that hearty filling.
For a cheesy delight, have ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses ready. Approximately 15 ounces of ricotta, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella, and half a cup of grated Parmesan should do.
Don't forget a jar of marinara sauce for that rich, tomatoey base.
To enhance flavors, you'll need garlic cloves, an egg, and some Italian seasoning.
Finally, make sure to have salt and pepper for seasoning.
With these ingredients gathered, you're ready to begin the culinary adventure!
Boil Pasta Until Al Dente
To achieve perfectly cooked manicotti shells, start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Use about one tablespoon of salt per gallon of water to enhance the pasta's flavor.
Gently add the manicotti shells to the boiling water, stirring occasionally to prevent them from sticking together. Cook the shells for 5-7 minutes until they're al dente—firm yet tender when bitten.
Be careful not to overcook them, as they'll continue cooking in the oven later. Once they're done, quickly drain them in a colander, then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
This helps maintain their structure, making them easier to fill without breaking. Set the shells aside on a towel to dry slightly before proceeding with the recipe.
Calorie and Protein Content
For those mindful of their nutritional intake, understanding the calorie and protein content of your beef and cheese manicotti is essential. Knowing these details helps you balance your diet and make informed choices. Each serving of this delicious dish typically offers a substantial amount of protein, thanks to the beef and cheese, while also providing a moderate calorie count.
Here's a simplified breakdown of the calorie and protein content per serving:
| Component | Content per Serving |
|---|---|
| Beef | 250 calories, 20g protein |
| Cheese | 150 calories, 10g protein |
| Manicotti Pasta | 200 calories, 7g protein |
| Sauce | 100 calories, 2g protein |
| Total | 700 calories, 39g protein |
Conclusion
Isn't it a delightful coincidence that your family's new favorite dish is just a few steps away? As you savor each bite of the beef and cheese manicotti, you'll appreciate the freshly grated Parmesan's perfect touch. With this recipe, you're not only crafting a meal but creating cherished memories. You'll enjoy the satisfying balance of calories and protein, making it both delicious and nutritious. So, gather around the table and enjoy this comfort food masterpiece together!