Million Dollar Manicotti is a rich and comforting Italian-inspired dish that’s packed with layers of cheesy goodness and flavorful ground beef. This recipe combines ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella to create a filling that’s both creamy and indulgent, making it a true crowd-pleaser. Topped with marinara sauce and more cheese, this dish is baked to perfection, creating a bubbly, golden finish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese: Provides a creamy base for the filling.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds a rich, smooth texture to the cheese filling.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor to the filling.
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese, grated and divided: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey and cheesy topping.
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten: Helps bind the filling together.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a punch of flavor and aroma to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds classic Italian flavor to the filling.
- 1 tablespoon dried basil: Enhances the flavor profile with its sweet, slightly peppery taste.
- 8 oz manicotti shells, uncooked: The pasta tubes that are filled with the rich cheese mixture.
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce: The sauce that adds a tangy, tomatoey base to the dish.
- 1 lb ground beef: Adds a hearty, savory element to the dish.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor.
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the manicotti from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cheeses: Mix together 2 cups ricotta cheese, 4 oz softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese (reserve 1 cup of mozzarella for topping).
- Add the egg, garlic, and seasonings: Stir in the lightly beaten egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1 tablespoon of dried basil. Mix until everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef: Heat the skillet over medium heat and add the 1 lb of ground beef. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Season the beef: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 4: Assemble the Manicotti
- Stuff the manicotti shells: Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill the uncooked manicotti shells with the cheese mixture. Be gentle to avoid breaking the shells.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce: Pour half of the 24 oz jar of marinara sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Place the stuffed shells in the dish: Arrange the filled manicotti shells over the marinara sauce in a single layer.
- Top with ground beef: Evenly spread the cooked ground beef over the stuffed shells.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce: Cover the beef and manicotti with the remaining marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese: Top the dish with the remaining 1 cup of grated mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Manicotti
- Cover the dish with foil: This helps the manicotti cook evenly and prevents the cheese from burning.
- Bake in the preheated oven: Bake for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the manicotti is cooked through.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley: Optional, but adds a fresh, bright flavor and a pop of color.
- Serve hot: Let the dish cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Tips for Success:
- Use a piping bag or ziplock bag: Fill a piping bag or ziplock bag with the cheese mixture to easily stuff the manicotti shells without making a mess.
- Cook the ground beef ahead of time: This can save you time on the day you plan to make the dish.
- Make it ahead: This dish can be assembled the day before and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Variations:
- Vegetarian option: Omit the ground beef and add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the cheese filling for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or cheese filling for a bit of heat.
- Different meats: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or a mix of meats for a different flavor.
Million Dollar Manicotti is a comforting and decadent dish that’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or anytime you’re craving something cheesy and satisfying. The combination of ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella creates a filling that’s rich and creamy, while the marinara sauce and ground beef add a savory depth to the dish. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite, with everyone asking for seconds. Serve it with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal that’s guaranteed to impress!
