Name: Million Dollar Manicotti Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 cups ricotta cheese; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded; 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided); 1 large egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper; 8 ounces manicotti shells, uncooked; 30 ounces marinara sauce (about 4 cups); 1 pound ground beef (85/15); Salt and pepper (to taste)

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Introduction

Million Dollar Manicotti is a rich and comforting Italian-American baked pasta dish filled with a creamy cheese blend and topped with savory ground beef and marinara sauce. It’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions when you want a hearty, satisfying meal.

A white rectangular ceramic baking dish holds a baked lasagna with a golden-brown melted cheese top layer sprinkled with green herbs. The top layer is uneven with bubbly, browned spots showing the texture of cooked cheese. One corner piece is lifted by a silver fork, revealing multiple layers underneath: a smooth red tomato sauce layer, slightly visible pasta layers in light yellow, and a rich meat sauce layer in brown mixed with the red. The edges of the lasagna are crispy and slightly browned. The dish rests on a wooden board placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups ricotta cheese
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
8 ounces manicotti shells, uncooked
30 ounces marinara sauce (about 4 cups)
1 pound ground beef (85/15)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
Step 3: Spoon the mixture into a large zip-top bag and cut a 1-inch opening in the bottom corner.
Step 4: Pipe the cheese filling into the uncooked manicotti shells carefully, filling each one.
Step 5: Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish and pour the remaining marinara sauce over them.
Step 6: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef seasoned with salt and pepper until no longer pink. Drain the fat, then sprinkle the cooked beef evenly over the stuffed shells.
Step 7: Top the dish with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes until the shells are tender and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Step 8: Remove the foil, increase the oven heat to broil, and return the dish uncovered to the oven. Broil until the cheese is melted and lightly browned, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Step 9: Let the manicotti cool for about 5 minutes before serving, as the filling will be very hot.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh manicotti shells if available for a softer texture, but handle gently as they can tear easily.
Substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the beef to vary the flavor.
Add chopped spinach or fresh basil to the cheese mixture for added color and freshness.
For a vegetarian version, skip the beef and add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini instead.

Storage

Store leftover manicotti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot. For longer storage, you can freeze before baking, then bake from frozen following the same instructions but adding extra baking time.

How to Serve

A close view of a lasagna being lifted with a spoon from a white ceramic baking dish, showing a thick, gooey top layer of melted golden-brown cheese with some charred spots and green herb sprinkles, beneath which bright red tomato sauce and layers of pasta can be seen slightly stretched by the lifted portion, the dish set on a white marbled surface, with a person's woman's hand holding the spoon from the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook manicotti shells before stuffing them?

For this recipe, uncooked shells are used to save time and prevent overcooking during baking. However, you can boil the shells according to package instructions if you prefer a softer shell before stuffing.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the manicotti up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake covered with foil for about 50 minutes, then broil as directed for the final touch.