Cheese-Stuffed Manicotti with Savory Beef Sauce

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Cheese-Stuffed Manicotti with Savory Beef Sauce.

1. Step 1

   Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and roasted garlic, cooking until the beef is browned and crumbly, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, let it simmer for another 10 minutes until the pan juices evaporate, intensifying the flavors.

2. Step 2

   Next, stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, white sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, dried oregano, dried thyme, bay leaf, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and garlic salt. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

3. Step 3

   While the sauce is simmering, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

4. Step 4

   In a large pot, bring lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the manicotti shells in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until they are cooked through but still firm to the bite, which should take about 8 minutes. Drain the shells and let them cool slightly.

5. Step 5

   In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, cottage cheese, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Now, it’s time to fill those manicotti shells! Spoon a generous amount of the cheese mixture into each shell, making sure they are well-stuffed.

6. Step 6

   Pour enough of the tomato-beef sauce to cover the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed manicotti over the sauce, then pour the remaining sauce over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep everything moist while baking.

7. Step 7

   Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until bubbly. After that, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the manicotti and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese filling is melted and golden.

8. Step 8

   Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cheese-Stuffed Manicotti with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!