Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 package of manicotti shells
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of tomato sauce (15 oz)
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 cups of ricotta cheese
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot for boiling manicotti shells
- Skillet for cooking ground beef
- Mixing bowl for combining cheeses and egg
- Baking dish for assembling and baking manicotti
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook manicotti shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until onion is translucent.
4. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, and chopped fresh parsley.
6. Stuff each cooked manicotti shell with the cheese mixture.
7. Spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
8. Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells in the baking dish.
9. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the stuffed manicotti shells.
10. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
11. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 537
- Fat: 29g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 36g
- Sodium: 1,200mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or ground chicken.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with provolone cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped spinach to the cheese mixture for a spinach and cheese manicotti.
- Use marinara sauce instead of tomato sauce for a different flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Use a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner cut off to easily stuff the manicotti shells.
- Make sure to cook the manicotti shells al dente to prevent them from falling apart during stuffing and baking.
- Let the baked manicotti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
Storage Instructions:
- Store leftover manicotti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat leftover manicotti in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the baked manicotti on a large platter with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley on top.
Garnishes:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the manicotti shells are too difficult to stuff, try soaking them in hot water for a few minutes to soften them up.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is fully cooked.
Food History:
- Manicotti is a traditional Italian dish that originated in the Campania region of Italy.
Flavor Profiles:
- The Casalina Manicotti has a savory and cheesy flavor with a hint of tomato and herbs.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Casalina Manicotti as a main dish for a family dinner or special occasion.
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Region: Italian