Manicotti Beef or Turkey

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italian-inspired cuisine with this irresistible Manicotti Beef or Turkey recipe, a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Tender manicotti pasta shells are generously stuffed with a creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese filling, blended with your choice of savory ground beef or lean ground turkey. Each shell is infused with the rich aroma of garlic and Italian seasoning, then nestled in a bath of luscious marinara sauce and topped with a golden, bubbly layer of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Baked to perfection in under an hour, this hearty meal is impressive yet easy to make. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and serve alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a truly satisfying Italian feast.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 pieces manicotti pasta shells
• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 piece large egg
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions (usually 7-9 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Remove from heat.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully integrated.

Step 5

Carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the meat and cheese mixture using a small spoon or piping bag. Be gentle to avoid breaking the shells.

Step 6

Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed manicotti in a single layer over the sauce.

Step 7

Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top of the manicotti. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly across the top.

Step 8

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3008.7 grams (3008.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6714

Total Fat 245.60g	315%
Saturated Fat 113.60g	568%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 1008mg	336%
Sodium 7070mg	307%
Total Carbohydrate 805.80g	293%
Dietary Fiber 42.70g	153%
Total Sugars 39.90g
Protein 337.70g	675%

Vitamin D 41IU	205%
Calcium 4670mg	359%
Iron 43mg	238%
Potassium 2744mg	58%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.6%

Protein: 19.9%

Carbs: 47.5%