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Extra Veggie Manicotti with Meat Sauce

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Extra Veggie Manicotti with Meat Sauce is a comforting baked pasta dish filled with a cheesy vegetable mixture and topped with a rich meat sauce. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or freezer meals.

Ingredients

  • 12 manicotti pasta shells
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small zucchini, finely chopped
  • 1 small carrot, grated
  • 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook manicotti shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and lay flat to cool.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, zucchini, and carrot. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in spinach until wilted. Remove from heat to cool slightly.
  4. In the same skillet, cook ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
  5. In a large bowl, mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and sautéed vegetables. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Fill each manicotti shell with the cheese and veggie mixture using a piping bag or spoon.
  7. Spread a layer of meat sauce in the baking dish. Arrange stuffed shells over sauce. Cover with remaining sauce and sprinkle with remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
  8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
  9. Let sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • For easier filling, use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off.
  • Don’t overcook pasta; slightly undercooked shells hold together better during filling and baking.
  • Make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and doubling the veggies.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/extra-veggie-manicotti-with-meat-sauce/