Beef Manicotti
Equipment
- Skillet
- Large Bowl
- Pasta Roller or Rolling Pin
- Baking dish
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 Eggs
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 tbsp Parsley chopped
- 1 tsp Oregano dried
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta
- All-purpose flour quantity as needed
- 2 Eggs
- Water as needed
For Assembling
- Tomato-based sauce Marinara or Meat Sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Filling: Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat. In a bowl, mix the beef with ricotta, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Make the Pasta: Combine flour, eggs, and water to make the dough. Roll it out with a pasta roller or rolling pin. Cut into rectangles and form tubes.
- Boil the Pasta: Boil the pasta shells in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and cool.
- Stuff the Pasta: Spoon the beef filling into the pasta shells.
- Assemble the Dish: Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish. Cover with tomato sauce.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30-45 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Notes
- Quick Version: For convenience, use store-bought manicotti shells instead of making them from scratch. You can also swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage to change the flavor.
- Cheese Variations: For a richer taste, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses in the filling. This blend offers a creamy, cheesy texture that complements the beef beautifully.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Boost the nutrition and flavor by adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or other vegetables to the beef filling. They will pair well with the beef and add extra depth to the dish.
- Time-Saving Tip: If you’re short on time, use pre-made pasta sheets, and cut into the desired manicotti shapes. This can save you time without sacrificing the homemade touch.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerating Leftovers: Store leftover beef manicotti in the fridge for 3-4 days. Use an airtight container or wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap to keep the pasta moist and flavorful.
- Freezing Leftovers: For longer storage, freeze the leftover manicotti for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container to preserve the texture and flavor.
- Reheating Refrigerated Manicotti: To reheat refrigerated leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45-60 minutes, ensuring it’s heated evenly throughout.
- Reheating Frozen Manicotti: For frozen leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake for 45-60 minutes until fully heated.
Delicious Beef Manicotti Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide in 2024
Table of Contents
When the smell of tomato sauce and melted cheese wafts through the air, it takes me back to my family’s Sunday dinners. My grandmother’s beef manicotti recipe was a highlight every week. Now, I’m excited to share this recipe with you, so you can enjoy it too.
The Beef Manicotti recipe is a beloved Italian dish that feels like a cozy trattoria in Rome. It’s made with large pasta shells filled with beef and cheese, then baked in a rich tomato sauce. This guide will help you make this dish from scratch, bringing Italy’s flavors to your kitchen.
Let’s start this cooking adventure together. This recipe is perfect for both seasoned chefs and beginners. It’s sure to impress your loved ones with a meal they’ll remember.
What is the Beef Manicotti Recipe?
The beef manicotti recipe is a tasty Italian pasta dish. It uses large, tubular manicotti shells filled with ground beef, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese. It also includes eggs herbs and spices. This dish comes from Italy, where it’s a comfort food loved by many.
Definition and Origins
The name “manicotti” comes from the pasta’s shape, which looks like little muffs. This dish started in the Italian countryside. Home cooks there filled these pasta shells with various ingredients, like cheese and meat.
Key Ingredients
The filling of beef manicotti includes:
- Ground beef
- Ricotta cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Eggs
- Herbs and spices (such as parsley, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper)
These ingredients make a rich, tasty filling. It goes well with the tender manicotti pasta. This dish is a favorite worldwide for its comfort and flavor.
Preparing the Beef Filling
To make the tasty beef filling for your manicotti, start by browning ground beef in a skillet. Heat over medium-high, breaking up the meat as it cooks. After the beef is done, drain off any extra fat to keep the filling light.
Then, mix the cooked beef with ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and eggs in a big bowl. Add some fresh herbs and spices like garlic, parsley, and oregano to boost the flavor.
Mix everything well until it’s smooth and tasty. This beef filling will be the heart of your homemade manicotti. It promises a rich and fulfilling taste with every bite.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Ricotta cheese | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Parsley, chopped | 2 tbsp |
| Oregano, dried | 1 tsp |
Now that the beef filling is ready, you’re almost there. Next, we’ll show you how to make fresh pasta shells. They’re key to bringing your manicotti to life.
Making the Homemade Manicotti Pasta
Making manicotti pasta from scratch is rewarding. It allows you to control the ingredients and achieve the ideal texture. With a simple recipe and some effort, you can make these large, tubular noodles for the beef filling.
Ingredients and Equipment
To make the manicotti pasta, you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Water
You’ll also need a pasta roller or cutter for shaping the shells. A rolling pin can work too, but a pasta maker makes the dough even.
Rolling and Cutting the Pasta
Start by making the pasta dough. Mix flour, eggs, and water until smooth and elastic. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it’s soft and easy to work with.
Split the dough into smaller pieces. Use a pasta roller to thin it out, or a rolling pin to roll it thin and cut it into rectangles.
After rolling, cut the dough into long, tube-like shapes. These are your manicotti shells. Boil them in salted water until they’re al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Then, drain and cool them before filling them with the beef.
beef manicotti recipe
The full beef manicotti recipe is a classic Italian dish. It combines delicious stuffed pasta shells with a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This meal is perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
To start, layer the stuffed pasta shells in a baking dish. The pasta shells are filled with a savory beef and cheese mixture. This adds a rich and satisfying flavor to the dish.
Then, top the dish with a tomato-based sauce. This sauce keeps the pasta moist and adds a delightful Italian flavor. You can choose a simple marinara or a more complex meat-based sauce.
Finally, bake the dish in the oven until the pasta is tender. The filling will be hot and bubbly. This results in a comforting and satisfying meal for family and friends.
If you’re looking for a classic Italian meal or a comforting dinner, try the full beef manicotti recipe. With its layers of flavorful pasta, savory beef filling, and tantalizing tomato sauce, it’s sure to become a new family favorite.
“This comprehensive beef manicotti recipe is a classic Italian dish that never fails to deliver satisfaction.”
Assembling the Manicotti
Preparing the perfect beef manicotti recipe is a fun step-by-step process. It makes sure the dish is full of flavor. Start by spooning the beef filling into each manicotti shell. This key step helps spread the filling evenly, making every bite delicious.
Stuffing the Pasta Tubes
Once the shells are filled, place them in a baking dish.. Place the filled shells side by side carefully. This way, they bake evenly and keep their shape.
Arranging in the Baking Dish
Finally, top the filled pasta with a tomato-based sauce. This could be marinara or homemade meat sauce. The sauce adds flavor and keeps the manicotti moist while baking. This careful preparation makes sure the manicotti are ready for the oven and will be a hit.
Baking the Beef Manicotti
It’s time to bake your beef manicotti now. Make sure the pasta is tender and the filling is hot and melted. This usually takes 30-45 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
Watch your beef manicotti closely while it bakes. This prevents the pasta from getting too hard or the filling from burning. You’ll end up with a dish that’s hot, perfect, and delicious.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the stuffed manicotti in a baking dish, making sure they are evenly spaced.
- Cover the dish with a layer of your favorite marinara sauce or tomato sauce.
- Bake the manicotti for 30-45 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the filling is hot and melted.
- Keep a close eye on the manicotti during the baking process to prevent overcooking or burning.
| Baking Time | Oven Temperature | Desired Outcome |
| 30-45 minutes | 375°F (190°C) | Tender pasta, hot and melted filling |
“The key to perfectly baked beef manicotti is to keep a close eye on it during the cooking process. This ensures the pasta is tender and the filling is hot and melted to perfection.”
By following these simple steps, you’ll bake your beef manicotti recipe perfectly every time. Serve it hot and enjoy the tasty mix of tender pasta and flavorful beef filling.
Serving Suggestions
When you serve your beef manicotti, think about adding fresh garnishes and sides. The cheesy filling goes great with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, or olive oil. Serve it with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies for a full Italian meal.
Garnishes and Side Dishes
For a beautiful and complete Italian feast, try these ideas:
- Fresh basil leaves, torn or chiffonade, for a bright, herbal touch
- Shredded Parmesan cheese adds a deliciously savory and nutty flavor.
- A drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil, for a glossy finish
- A side salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette
- Warm, crusty garlic bread for sopping up the delicious sauce
- Roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
These garnishes and sides will make your beef manicotti look and taste amazing. They add balance and satisfaction to your meal. Try out various combinations to find your preferred flavors.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftover beef manicotti can be a delightful treat. With proper storage and reheating, you can savor it for several days. Whether it’s from your homemade batch or a restaurant dish, these tips will keep it fresh and flavorful.
Refrigerating Leftover Manicotti
Store leftover beef manicotti in the fridge for 3-4 days. Use an airtight container or wrap it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. This keeps flavors in and the pasta moist.
Freezing Leftover Manicotti
Freeze leftover beef manicotti for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in foil or use a freezer-safe container. This keeps the pasta and filling fresh.
Reheating Refrigerated Leftover Manicotti
Preheat your oven to 350°F to reheat refrigerated leftovers. Seal the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 to 60 minutes. This heats it through evenly.
Reheating Frozen Leftover Manicotti
To reheat frozen leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F. Seal the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 to 60 minutes. This ensures it’s hot and delicious.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your beef manicotti’s delicious flavors again. The leftovers will be just as delicious as when you first made them.
Tips and Variations
For convenience, use store-bought manicotti shells or swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage. This makes the dish quicker and easier to make. It keeps the delicious flavors intact.
Substitutions and Shortcuts
Try mixing ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese for a richer taste. Adding spinach, mushrooms, or other veggies to the beef can boost nutrition and flavor.
If time is tight, use pre-made pasta sheets. Just cut them into manicotti shapes. This saves time in making pasta. The goal is to balance ease and quality to fit your cooking style.
FAQ
What is the Beef Manicotti Recipe?
The beef manicotti recipe is a dish from Italy. It uses large pasta shells filled with beef and cheese. The main ingredients are ground beef, ricotta, Parmesan, eggs, and herbs.
How do you make the beef filling for manicotti?
Begin by browning the ground beef in a skillet, then drain any excess fat. Then, mix it with ricotta, Parmesan, eggs, and herbs like garlic and parsley. This filling goes inside the pasta shells.
How do you make the manicotti pasta shells from scratch?
To make the pasta, you need flour, eggs, water, and a pasta tool. Roll out the dough, cut it into rectangles, and boil until al dente. Then, fill and bake them.
How do you assemble the beef manicotti recipe?
Spoon the beef filling into each pasta shell. Place them in a baking dish. Top with tomato sauce and bake until hot and melted.
How do you bake the beef manicotti recipe?
Bake at 375°F for 30-45 minutes. Monitor it closely to prevent overcooking.
What are some serving suggestions for the beef manicotti recipe?
Garnish with basil, Parmesan, or olive oil. Serve with a salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies for a full meal.
How do you store and reheat leftover beef manicotti?
Keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat covered at 350°F for 20-30 minutes in the fridge or 45-60 minutes from frozen.
What are some tips and variations for beef manicotti?
Use store-bought shells or ground turkey or sausage instead of beef. Try different cheeses or add spinach and mushrooms for extra flavor.
