Indulge in the comforting flavors of Ham Stuffed Manicotti, a hearty Italian-inspired dish perfect for family dinners or meal prep. This recipe features tender manicotti pasta shells generously filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and finely chopped ham, seasoned with garlic, onion, and parsley for a flavorful twist. Smothered in rich marinara sauce and topped with melty cheese, this bake comes out beautifully golden and irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh or baking it straight from the freezer for an OAMC (Once A Month Cooking) solution, this crowd-pleaser is as versatile as it is delicious. Serve it with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the manicotti shells in a large pot of salted boiling water until they are just al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped ham, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the filling is well combined.
Using a small spoon (or a piping bag for greater ease), carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the ham and cheese mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a single layer in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a medium bowl, mix the marinara sauce with 1/2 cup of water to thin it slightly. Pour the sauce evenly over the stuffed manicotti shells, ensuring all shells are well covered to prevent drying out.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top of the dish.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese on top to melt and turn golden.
Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
If freezing for OAMC, prepare the dish up to the point of baking but do not bake it. Instead, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, label, and freeze. To bake from frozen, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake covered for 60-75 minutes or until heated through, removing the foil for the last 10 minutes.
Serving size | 2815.3 grams (2815.3g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 5850 |
Total Fat 139.70g | 179% |
Saturated Fat 63.00g | 315% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.00g | |
Cholesterol 782mg | 261% |
Sodium 11790mg | 513% |
Total Carbohydrate 832.10g | 303% |
Dietary Fiber 48.00g | 171% |
Total Sugars 64.60g | |
Protein 323.70g | 647% |
Vitamin D 54IU | 269% |
Calcium 3105mg | 239% |
Iron 42mg | 234% |
Potassium 4372mg | 93% |
Source of Calories