Ground Beef and Cheese Manicotti with Marinara is a comforting Italian-American classic that brings the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella together inside tender pasta tubes. Each manicotti is stuffed with a flavorful filling, smothered in homemade or store-bought marinara sauce, and baked to golden, bubbly perfection.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures: tender pasta, rich beef filling, creamy ricotta, and melty cheese on top. The marinara ties everything together beautifully, creating a dish that’s both comforting and impressive. It’s a recipe that brings warmth to the table and fills the house with the irresistible aroma of baked Italian goodness.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Rich, cheesy, and comforting
• Hearty enough to be a complete meal
• Perfect for feeding a crowd or family gatherings
• Can be made ahead and baked later
• Freezable for easy weeknight meals

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6
• Calories: ~550 calories per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian / Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Filling

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For the Manicotti

• 12 uncooked manicotti shells (or cooked according to package instructions if required)

For the Marinara Sauce

• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil

For Topping

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the filling:
   • In a skillet, cook ground beef with chopped onion and garlic until beef is browned and onions are softened. Drain excess fat.
   • Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let cool slightly.
   • Combine beef mixture with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, and egg in a bowl. Mix well.
2. Prepare the sauce:
   • In a small saucepan, warm marinara sauce with olive oil, oregano, and basil until heated through.
3. Stuff the manicotti:
   • Carefully fill each uncooked manicotti shell with the beef and cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
4. Assemble the dish:
   • Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Arrange stuffed manicotti on top and pour remaining sauce over them.
   • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.
5. Bake:
   • Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
   • Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Cook beef filling: Sauté onion, garlic, and ground beef until fully cooked.
2. Mix with cheeses and egg: Combine to make a creamy, cohesive filling.
3. Prepare sauce: Heat marinara and add herbs for extra flavor.
4. Stuff manicotti carefully: Use a spoon or piping bag to avoid breaking shells.
5. Assemble in baking dish: Layer sauce, manicotti, more sauce, and cheese.
6. Bake: Cover, bake, uncover, and brown cheese on top.
7. Garnish and serve: Fresh herbs enhance presentation and flavor.

How to Serve

• Serve warm with garlic bread or a crisp green salad
• Pair with roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli
• Perfect as a main course for family dinners or special occasions

Recipe Tips

• Use a piping bag to fill manicotti shells easily without breaking
• Cook ground beef fully and drain fat to prevent greasy filling
• Let the baked manicotti rest 5–10 minutes before serving to set the filling
• Use fresh parsley or basil for garnish for a bright, fresh finish
• Customize cheese mix to your preference (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan)

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini
• Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture
• Cheesy Delight: Add provolone or fontina cheese to the filling
• Low-Carb: Use zucchini or eggplant tubes instead of pasta
• Herb-Infused Sauce: Use fresh basil, oregano, or thyme in marinara for extra flavor

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store baked manicotti in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Freezer: Assemble uncooked manicotti and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen with an additional 10–15 minutes covered with foil.
• Reheating: Warm in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Skillet for cooking beef
• Spoon or piping bag for filling shells
• Aluminum foil for baking
• Mixing bowl

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use pre-cooked pasta shells?
Yes, simply fill the shells and bake as instructed. Adjust baking time if shells are pre-cooked.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the manicotti and refrigerate up to a day before baking.

Q: Can I freeze after baking?
It’s better to freeze before baking. Baked cheese may change texture if frozen.

Q: Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, lean ground turkey or chicken works well and reduces fat content.

Conclusion

Ground Beef and Cheese Manicotti with Marinara is a classic Italian-American comfort dish that’s rich, cheesy, and utterly satisfying. With tender pasta tubes filled with flavorful beef and cheese, smothered in tangy marinara, and baked to perfection, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or cozy weeknight indulgence. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.