Cheese Manicotti Recipe
Cheese manicotti stuffed with melted cheese and smothered in marinara sauce are pure comforting dishes! This easy dinner recipe has something for everyone.
INGREDIENTS
For the filling
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- salt and pepper to taste
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 3/4 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage hot or mild, casings removed
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese finely grated
For assembly
- 12 manicotti shells
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 2 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- cooking spray
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9 "x13" baking dish with cooking spray.
For filling
First, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the sausage in the pan. Cook 3 to 4 minutes, breaking the meat into small pieces.
Then, add the onions to the pan. Cook another 4 to 5 minutes or until the onions are softened and the sausages are golden and cooked through.
Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove the pan from the fire.
Place the ricotta cheese, egg, mozzarella, parmesan, Italian seasoning and salt and pepper in a large bowl. Stir to combine.
Add the meat mixture to the ricotta mixture. Stir until well mixed.
For assembly
Cook the manicotti in boiling salted water for 1 to 2 minutes less than the directions on the package.
Drain and cool slightly.
Spread 1 cup marinara sauce in the bottom of the pan.
Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each manicotti with the mixture of meat and cheese.
Arrange the manicotti in a single layer in the pan. Pour the rest of the sauce over the top.
Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top, then bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden.
Sprinkle with parsley. Happy Cooking Time.
