Mediterranean Beef and Cheese Stuffed Manicotti
Time: 1 hour
Serves: 6
This Mediterranean Beef and Cheese Stuffed Manicotti is a hearty, comforting pasta dish filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Baked in a rich marinara sauce, the manicotti comes out tender, cheesy, and flavorful. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion and pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread.
Ingredients
12 manicotti shells
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
3 cups marinara sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Preheat oven:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with olive oil or non-stick spray.
Cook the beef:
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onion and garlic, sauté 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let cool slightly.
Prepare the cheese filling:
In a large bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and the cooked beef mixture. Mix well until fully combined.
Cook the manicotti shells:
Boil manicotti shells in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
Stuff the manicotti:
Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the beef and cheese mixture.
Assemble the dish:
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Place stuffed manicotti shells in a single layer.
Pour remaining marinara sauce evenly over the shells.
Sprinkle remaining ½ cup of mozzarella on top.
Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
Let the dish rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
Beef Options
Ground beef is classic, but you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of beef and pork for a slightly different flavor.
For a leaner version, choose 90% lean beef and drain excess fat after cooking.
Cheese Variations
Ricotta provides creaminess; you can substitute cottage cheese or a blend of ricotta and mascarpone for a richer texture.
Mozzarella can be mixed with provolone or fontina for a more complex flavor.
Manicotti Shell Tips
Cook shells just al dente to avoid overcooking in the oven.
Rinse with cold water and lightly drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
A piping bag makes stuffing easier and neater, but a spoon works fine.
Sauce Tips
Use homemade or store-bought marinara depending on convenience.
For a Mediterranean twist, add sliced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers to the sauce.
Baking Tips
Covering with foil ensures the manicotti stays moist while baking.
Remove foil for the last 10 minutes to let the cheese on top become golden and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
Garlic bread or breadsticks complement the dish nicely.
Make-Ahead Tips
Assemble the stuffed manicotti in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2–3 days and reheated in the oven.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes. Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a mix of vegetables for a hearty vegetarian filling. Add extra cheese for protein.
Q: Can I use no-boil manicotti shells?
Yes. No-boil shells work, but make sure there is enough sauce in the dish to allow them to cook properly in the oven.
Q: Can this be frozen?
Yes. Assemble the dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 45–55 minutes, covered, then uncover to finish baking.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the filling and stuff the shells a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
Q: Can I add more herbs or spices?
Absolutely. Fresh basil, oregano, thyme, or a pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor.
Nutrition
(Per serving – based on 6 servings)
Calories: ~480
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 39g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 750mg
(Values may vary depending on the type of cheese and sauce used.)
Conclusion
Mediterranean Beef and Cheese Stuffed Manicotti is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender pasta with a rich, flavorful filling of beef and cheeses, baked in savory marinara sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted for vegetarians or meal prep. With its gooey cheese, hearty filling, and vibrant sauce, this dish brings a classic Mediterranean-inspired twist to the table with minimal effort.