Tender manicotti shells stuffed with seasoned ground beef and baked in a rich creamy marinara sauce make this comforting pasta dish a family favorite. Finished with Parmesan and melty mozzarella, it’s hearty, cheesy, and perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta & Filling
- 12 dry manicotti shells
- 1 pound ground beef (80–90% lean)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Creamy Sauce
- 2 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional garnish)
For the Dish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or nonstick spray
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to:
- 375°F (190°C)
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Beef Filling
In a bowl, season the ground beef with:
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Mix gently until combined.
3. Stuff the Manicotti
Carefully fill the uncooked manicotti shells with the seasoned ground beef.
You can use:
- a small spoon
- piping bag
- zip-top bag with corner cut off
Set aside once filled.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl or saucepan, combine:
- marinara sauce
- heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- minced garlic
- dried basil
- remaining salt and pepper
Stir until smooth and creamy.
5. Assemble the Dish
Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
Arrange the stuffed manicotti in a single layer.
Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the pasta, making sure all shells are covered.
6. Add Cheese
Sprinkle with:
- mozzarella cheese
- extra Parmesan cheese
7. Bake
Cover loosely with foil and bake for:
- 40 minutes
Remove foil and bake another:
- 10–15 minutes
until:
- cheese is bubbly
- edges are lightly golden
- pasta is tender
- beef is fully cooked
8. Rest & Garnish
Let the manicotti rest for:
- 5–10 minutes
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Rich creamy marinara sauce
✔️ Hearty beef filling
✔️ Cheesy baked comfort food
✔️ Great make-ahead dinner
✔️ Perfect for family meals
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- roasted vegetables
- extra Parmesan cheese
Tips
- Fully cover pasta with sauce so shells soften properly
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor
- Add ricotta to the beef mixture for extra creaminess
- Cover while baking to prevent drying out
Storage
- Refrigerator: Up to 4 days
- Freezer: Up to 2 months
Reheat covered until hot throughout.
Conclusion
This creamy beef stuffed manicotti bake is rich, cheesy, and deeply comforting. With tender pasta, savory beef, and velvety sauce, it’s the kind of homemade dinner everyone looks forward to.
