Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce

Posted on October 18, 2025

Stuffed manicotti filled with cheese and meat sauce served on a plate

Easy Stuffed Manicotti with Meat Sauce Recipe

Ah, stuffed manicotti—the ultimate comfort food, right? It’s like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket while tucking into a cozy, cheesy embrace. Honestly, I can still remember the first time I attempted to make this dish. I had just moved into my own place, eager to impress my friends with my newfound culinary skills. The kitchen was decked out with trendy gadgets, and I was armed with enthusiasm. But let me tell you, my initial attempt at stuffed manicotti was… well, less than graceful.

I Googled a recipe—shocking, I know—and thought, “How hard can it be to stuff some pasta?” Oops. Let’s just say that I ended up with more ricotta cheese on the counters and my shirt than in the noodles. But after a few trial-and-error rounds (and maybe a bit of stubborn determination), I finally nailed it. The smell of savory meat sauce simmering on the stove, the woozy aroma of melted cheese wafting through the house—it’s a memory that still warms my heart.

What draws me to this recipe is its nostalgic pull. It’s the kind of meal that brings my family together around the table, amidst laughter and the occasional cheese stretch. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights but feels special enough for a cozy Sunday dinner. And trust me, there’s nothing quite like diving into a plate of cheesy, meaty goodness while binge-watching a feel-good rom-com.

So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this delicious adventure. You’ll not only learn how to make awesome stuffed manicotti with meat sauce but also why it’s become a staple in my kitchen. Ready?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: Seriously, if I can master it, you can too! Nothing fancy here—just a straightforward recipe with approachable steps. You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This is the kind of dish that tastes even better the next day. It’s a win for easy weeknight dinners or if you’re one of those meal-prepping geniuses.
Picky-Eater Approved: I’ve served this to incredibly discerning eaters—road-testing with teenagers and, surprisingly, getting thumbs up all around!
Comforting and Satisfying: It’s like a warm hug in a bowl. The combo of the rich meat sauce and cheesy filling just screams comfort food.
Leftovers Galore: If you’re cooking for two like me, you’ll definitely have leftovers that heat up beautifully. Bonus points for easy lunches!
Nutritionally Balanced: Packed with protein from ground beef (or sausage if you’re feeling adventurous) and calcium from the cheese, this is a wonderfully indulgent way to stay fuelled.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

This stuffed manicotti recipe is unique because it perfectly marries simplicity with deliciousness. The use of marinara sauce not only brings in a fantastic Italian flavor but also gives the dish a vibrant red contrast against the fluffy, creamy filling. Mixing three kinds of cheeses elevates the dish and makes every bite a cheesy delight—really, who could ever turn that down?

Also, for extra love, I throw in a dash of Italian seasoning. It adds a flavorful depth without overpowering the dish. This recipe isn’t just about feeding the family; it’s about filling the kitchen with love, laughter, and maybe a bit of chaos—because what’s cooking without a little fun? So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

Manicotti pasta: The star of the show! These tubular noodles are ideal for stuffing—and they hold onto the sauce beautifully.
Ground beef or sausage: I usually opt for lean ground beef, but feel free to go for Italian sausage if you want to kick the flavors up a notch.
Onion, chopped: A must-have for building a savory base. It adds a lovely sweetness when sautéed.
Garlic, minced: Because who can resist that garlicky goodness? This is where your kitchen starts smelling divine.
Marinara sauce: Store-bought is totally fine (we’re keeping it real here!), but homemade if you’ve got the time.
Ricotta cheese: The creamy filling star—rich and just the right amount of tangy.
Mozzarella cheese, shredded: It’s all about the gooey melty goodness.
Parmesan cheese, grated: For that lovely nutty flavor and additional cheesy crust.
Egg: This helps bind the filling together, ensuring your stuffed manicotti doesn’t fall apart.
Italian seasoning: A sprinkle of this magical blend ties all the flavors together.
Salt and pepper: Because every dish needs the basic essentials to taste just right.

Pro Tips:

Don’t stuff the manicotti too tightly; they need a little room to expand while cooking.
If using store-bought marinara, look for one with no added sugar for a healthier option.
Oops, forgot to buy ricotta? You can swap it out with cottage cheese—but trust me, ricotta is where the magic happens!

How to Make It Step-by-Step

Let’s kick things off! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, we’ll start with the pasta.

Cook the Manicotti:
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add the manicotti and cook according to the package instructions. I can’t stress this enough: do not overcook! You want them al dente because they’ll cook more in the oven later. Drain, and set them aside to cool while you prep the rest.
Sauté the Meat:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef or sausage. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the meat is browned and the onions are translucent. The smell at this stage is heavenly! Just wait until your neighbors start knocking. Once that’s done, drain any excess fat. You want the filling to be rich, not greasy!
Make the Sauce:
Now stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This is when your meat sauce gains incredible flavor—allowing the ingredients to mingle and become best buddies. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself sampling it a bit. I mean, quality control, right?
Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of your shredded mozzarella, parmesan, egg, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper.

Here’s my little secret: use an electric mixer for an ultra-smooth filling. Plus, it’s just fun to watch the cheese whip into creamy perfection. The texture is essential—dense but soft enough to pipe into those manicotti shells.
Stuff the Manicotti:
Grab a Ziploc bag (or piping bag if you’re feeling fancy) and fill it with the cheese mixture. Snip off a corner, and let’s stuff those cute manicotti shells! It can get a bit messy, and believe me, I’m all too familiar with ricotta-covered counters. The key here is patience—easy does it!
Assemble It:
In a baking dish, spread some of your meat sauce on the bottom. This prevents the manicotti from sticking, plus gives them a nice saucy bottom—just the way we like it!

Arrange the stuffed manicotti on top, and pour the remaining meat sauce over them. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella on top. Yes, more cheese is always the answer!
Bake:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese gets bubbly and just begins to brown. The sight of perfectly golden cheese bubbling is pure euphoria! Honestly, I could dive headfirst into that baking dish, but that might be a tad ambitious!
Cooling Down:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Please don’t try to dive in right away unless you want to burn your tongue—freshly melted cheese is sneaky like that.

And there you have it, stuffed manicotti so creamy and flavorful, you’ll be reminiscing about your kitchen adventure for days to come!

Tips for Best Results

Don’t Overstuff: Leave a bit of space in each manicotti for expansion in the oven.
Let the Cheese Rest: When mixing the cheese filling, let it sit for a minute before stuffing; letting it warm slightly makes it easier to pipe.
Taste as You Go: Never shy away from tasting your meat sauce and cheese mixture. Trust me; it creates a more harmonious dish!

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Vegetarian Style: Swap the ground meat for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted zucchini for a veggie-packed twist.
Spice It Up: Add a hint of red pepper flake to your meat sauce for a bit of kick!
Seasonal Ingredients: Feel free to play with ingredients—caramelized onions or roasted bell peppers make great additions to the cheese filling.

Serving Suggestions

This stuffed manicotti pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or a classic Caesar salad—gotta have those greens! A side of garlic bread is also a must-have to soak up all that amazing sauce. And hey, before diving into this masterpiece, pour yourself a glass of red wine or enjoy an iced tea. Trust me, you’ll want that savory sip with your rich pasta dish.

And if you’re in the mood for a cozy, feel-good vibe, put on your favorite rom-com—this meal pairs perfectly with a love story or an adventure leading to happily ever after!

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Let’s be real: there’s usually leftovers when it comes to stuffed manicotti. Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to dig in, simply pop it in the oven covered with foil for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, the microwave can work in a pinch—but be mindful—microwaves tend to overcook the edges, so maybe 1-2 minutes on medium heat, checking frequently.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

You can prep this dish ahead of time! Stuff the manicotti and layer it in the baking dish, cover tightly, and pop it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to your cooking time. For longer options, freeze the stuffed manicotti. Just assemble the dish without baking, cover tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. When ready to serve, just thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Draining the Meat: Leaving excess fat from the meat may make your sauce greasy.
Overcooking the Pasta: Make sure to cook it al dente; you still want some bite since it will cook more in the oven.
Skipping the Rest Time: Allow the dish to cool briefly before serving—this helps with messy cross-sections that look anything but appetizing on the first slice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to switch it up with fontina, gouda, or even vegan cheese if you prefer a dairy-free option.

Can I prepare it the night before?
Totally! Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. It makes for a fantastic time-saver on busy days.

How do I know when it’s done?
Look for bubbly, golden cheese. You can also insert a knife in the center; if it comes out hot, you’re good to go.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

Heavy pot for boiling pasta
Large skillet for browning the meat
Mixing bowls
Ziploc or piping bag for filling the manicotti
Baking dish big enough to hold them all
Foil for covering while baking

Final Thoughts

Stuffed manicotti with meat sauce is more than just a meal—it’s a way to connect with family, create cherished memories, and embrace the chaos that life throws our way (cheese-spattered shirt and all). It’s familiarity at its most delicious, and I hope it warms not just your belly but your heart too.

So, if this recipe brings you joy, make sure to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend! Here’s to many cheesy, saucy nights ahead! Enjoy every bite!