“This recipe was absolutely a winner! This has always been a “restaurant meal” for me but I’m so happy I tried to make it at home.”
Indulge in the rich flavors of this hearty Italian dish. This Million Dollar Manicotti recipe is a crowd-pleaser, combining creamy cheese filling, flavorful meat sauce, and tender pasta. It’s a perfect comfort food that’s sure to satisfy any craving.
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Ingredients:
For the Filling:
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| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ricotta Cheese | 1 container (15 oz) |
| Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded | 2 cups |
| Parmesan Cheese, Shredded | 1 cup |
| Cottage Cheese | 1 cup (optional) |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Parsley, Fresh, Chopped | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion Powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
For the Sauce:
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| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef or Italian Sausage | 1 lb |
| Marinara Sauce | 1 jar (24 oz) |
| Onion, Finely Chopped | 1 small |
| Garlic, Minced | 3 cloves |
| Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Italian Seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Crushed Red Pepper Flakes | 1 teaspoon (optional) |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
For the Manicotti:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Manicotti Pasta | 1 package (8 oz) |
| Fresh Basil or Parsley | For garnish (optional) |
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook Pasta: Boil manicotti shells according to package directions, but undercook slightly. Drain and rinse.
- Make Sauce: Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. Add ground beef or sausage and brown. Stir in marinara sauce, seasonings, and simmer.
- Make Filling: Combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, cottage cheese (if using), egg, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble: Stuff manicotti shells with cheese filling. Pour half the sauce in the baking dish. Add stuffed shells, top with remaining sauce and mozzarella.
- Bake: Cover and bake for 25-30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
