Baked Manicotti Recipe
Ingredients:
- 12 manicotti pasta tubes
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the manicotti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. If using ground beef or sausage, cook it separately and mix it into the cheese filling.
- Fill the manicotti: Use a piping bag or spoon to stuff the cooked manicotti tubes with the cheese mixture.
- Assemble: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Place the filled manicotti in a single layer. Pour the remaining sauce over the top.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and breadcrumbs over the manicotti.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.