Stuffed Manicotti

Stuffed Manicotti Recipe - Delicious Italian Dish

Region / culture: Italy | Servings: 6

Introduction

Stuffed manicotti is a classic Italian dish that features pasta shells filled with a savory meat mixture and topped with a rich tomato sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

History

Manicotti, which means "little sleeves" in Italian, is a traditional Italian dish that dates back to ancient times. The dish is believed to have originated in the Campania region of Italy, where it was a popular choice for special occasions and celebrations.

Ingredients

8 manicotti shells
1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
2 tbsp instant minced onion
0.25 cup finely minced green pepper
1 tbsp dry parsley flakes
1 tsp salt
0.25 tsp pepper
1 beaten egg
1 (1 lb (454 g)) jar spaghetti sauce
grated romano cheese

How to prepare

Cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions, then drain them thoroughly.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, green pepper, parsley flakes, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix everything together until well blended.
Assemble the meat filling into a gun, attaching a decorator tip onto the filled barrel and securing the cap in place.
Set the speed switch to high.
Hold a cooked manicotti shell in one hand, insert the decorator tip partway into one end of the manicotti, and squeeze the trigger on/off several times.
When the manicotti is filled partway, release the trigger and give the gun a quick up and down motion to cut off the flow of the mixture.
Turn the manicotti around and fill the other end.
Pour a thin layer of spaghetti sauce into a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
Arrange the filled manicotti in a single layer over the sauce, then top with the remaining sauce.
Sprinkle grated cheese over the top.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 30-40 minutes.

Variations

Vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed vegetables and ricotta cheese.
Seafood: Fill the manicotti shells with a mixture of shrimp, crab, and cream cheese.
Spinach and Ricotta: Mix cooked spinach and ricotta cheese for a delicious vegetarian option.

Notes

This filling may also be used to stuff 20 jumbo shells; an extra jar of spaghetti sauce may be needed to cover the shells adequately.
You can use a cookie press for stuffing the manicotti.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the manicotti shells al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.

- Use a piping bag or a plastic bag with a corner snipped off to easily fill the manicotti shells.

- Top the dish with a generous amount of grated cheese for a deliciously cheesy finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve stuffed manicotti with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Use a piping bag or a plastic bag with a corner snipped off to easily fill the manicotti shells.

- Bake the stuffed manicotti in a preheated oven for even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground beef.

- Any type of cheese can be used for topping, such as mozzarella or Parmesan.

Make Ahead Tips

Stuffed manicotti can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve stuffed manicotti on a platter garnished with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair stuffed manicotti with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover stuffed manicotti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of stuffed manicotti contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of stuffed manicotti contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of stuffed manicotti contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of stuffed manicotti contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Stuffed manicotti is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat, eggs, and dairy.

Summary

Stuffed manicotti is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Stuffed manicotti is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With a savory meat filling, rich tomato sauce, and cheesy topping, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Stuffed Manicotti. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her small Italian village. Maria was an incredible cook, and I always looked forward to our time in the kitchen together.

On this particular day, Maria had a twinkle in her eye as she pulled out an old, tattered recipe book from her cupboard. She told me that she was going to teach me how to make one of her family's most beloved dishes - Stuffed Manicotti. I was thrilled at the prospect of learning this traditional Italian recipe from someone as talented as Maria.

As we gathered the ingredients and began preparing the dish, Maria shared stories of how she had learned to make Stuffed Manicotti from her own grandmother many years ago. She spoke of the love and care that went into each step of the recipe, and I could see the passion in her eyes as she guided me through the process.

The first step was to make the homemade pasta dough for the manicotti shells. Maria showed me how to mix flour, eggs, and a little water together until a smooth dough formed. We rolled out the dough and cut it into rectangles, which we then boiled until they were just tender enough to be filled.

Next, Maria taught me how to make the rich and creamy ricotta filling for the manicotti. She mixed together ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and a handful of fresh herbs from her garden. The mixture was fragrant and delicious, and I couldn't wait to taste it once it was stuffed inside the pasta shells.

After filling each manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture, Maria showed me how to pour a generous amount of marinara sauce over the top. She explained that the sauce would help keep the manicotti moist and add a burst of flavor to each bite.

As the stuffed manicotti baked in the oven, Maria and I sat at the kitchen table, sipping on glasses of red wine and chatting about life. The aroma of the dish filled the room, and I couldn't wait to taste the fruits of our labor.

When the stuffed manicotti was finally ready, Maria pulled the dish out of the oven and plated it beautifully. The manicotti was piping hot and oozing with melted cheese and tangy tomato sauce. I took my first bite and was transported to a place of pure culinary bliss. The flavors were rich and satisfying, and I could taste the love and history that had gone into creating this dish.

As I finished my meal, Maria smiled at me and said, "Now you know the secret to making the perfect Stuffed Manicotti. Keep this recipe close to your heart, and pass it down to your own loved ones one day." I nodded in agreement, feeling grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a talented and generous friend.

To this day, whenever I make Stuffed Manicotti for my family, I think of Maria and the special day we spent together in her kitchen. The recipe continues to bring joy and comfort to those who taste it, just as it has for generations in Maria's family. Cooking is more than just following a set of instructions - it's about sharing traditions, creating memories, and nourishing the soul. And I am so grateful to have learned this lesson from my dear friend Maria.