Million Dollar Manicotti Recipe

Introduction

Million Dollar Manicotti is a hearty, cheesy Italian-American dish that’s perfect for a comforting family dinner. Stuffed with a rich blend of cheeses and topped with savory ground beef and marinara sauce, this baked pasta is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
• 8 ounces manicotti shells, uncooked
• 30 ounces marinara sauce (about 4 cups)
• 1 pound ground beef (85/15)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.
3. Step 3: Transfer the cheese mixture into a large ziplock bag and cut a 1-inch opening at the bottom corner. Carefully pipe the filling into each uncooked manicotti shell.
4. Step 4: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells on top and cover with the remaining marinara sauce.
5. Step 5: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef seasoned with salt and pepper until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and sprinkle the cooked beef evenly over the stuffed shells.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes, until the shells are tender and the filling is bubbly and melted.
7. Step 7: Remove the foil and turn the oven to broil. Return the baking dish to the oven uncovered and broil for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Watch closely to avoid burning.
8. Step 8: Let the manicotti cool for 5 minutes before serving, as the filling will be very hot.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead.
• Use ricotta blended with cottage cheese for a lighter filling with added texture.
• If you can’t find manicotti shells, large pasta shells or cannelloni tubes work as great substitutes.
• Make it ahead by assembling the dish and refrigerating for up to 24 hours before baking.

Storage

Store leftover manicotti covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 350-degree oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot. Avoid broiling during reheating to prevent overcooking.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook the manicotti shells before stuffing?

This recipe uses uncooked manicotti shells which bake perfectly in the sauce. However, if you prefer, you can boil the shells for 5–7 minutes before stuffing to ensure they are tender.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

You can substitute cream cheese with an equal amount of ricotta or mascarpone for a slightly different texture and flavor.

Million Dollar Manicotti Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 128 reviews

Million Dollar Manicotti is a hearty Italian-American baked pasta dish featuring tender manicotti shells stuffed with a creamy cheese filling and topped with rich marinara sauce, ground beef, and melted mozzarella cheese. Baked until bubbly and browned to perfection, this comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Filling

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

Pasta & Sauce

• 8 ounces manicotti shells, uncooked
• 30 ounces marinara sauce (about 4 cups)

Meat & Topping

• 1 pound ground beef (85/15)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking the manicotti later.
2. Prepare the cheese filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
3. Stuff the manicotti shells: Transfer the cheese mixture into a large ziplock bag and snip a 1-inch opening at the bottom corner. Pipe the filling carefully into each uncooked manicotti shell, filling them fully without breaking the shells.
4. Assemble in the baking dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the filled manicotti shells over the sauce in a single layer. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells to cover them completely.
5. Cook the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Season with salt and pepper, then cook until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
6. Add beef and cheese topping: Sprinkle the cooked ground beef evenly over the sauced manicotti shells. Then, spread the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
7. Bake covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the manicotti shells are tender and the filling inside is bubbling.
8. Broil for finishing: Remove the foil and turn the oven setting to broil. Place the dish back in the oven uncovered and broil for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
9. Rest and serve: Take the manicotti out of the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving, as the filling will be very hot. Enjoy your delicious Million Dollar Manicotti!

Notes

• Use uncooked manicotti shells for easier stuffing and better texture after baking.
• Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the filling.
• If you prefer, substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the ground beef.
• Letting the dish rest briefly after baking helps the filling set and makes serving easier.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Keywords: Million Dollar Manicotti, baked pasta, manicotti, Italian casserole, cheesy pasta, ground beef pasta dish, easy Italian recipe