Cheesy Baked Manicotti with Meat Sauce

## Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Baked Manicotti with Meat Sauce

### Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the **chopped onion** and cook for about **4-5 minutes**, until softened. Add the **minced garlic** and cook for an additional **1 minute**, until fragrant.

Add the **ground beef** (or turkey) to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked through, about **8 minutes**. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Next, pour in the **marinara sauce**, **dried basil**, **dried oregano**, **salt**, **black pepper**, and **crushed red pepper flakes** (if using). Stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about **15 minutes**, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit of water to reach your desired consistency.

### Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the **ricotta cheese**, **1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella**, **Parmesan cheese**, **egg**, **dried oregano**, and **fresh parsley** (if using). Season with a pinch of **salt** and **pepper** to taste. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

### Step 3: Cook the Manicotti
While your sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the **manicotti tubes** and cook according to the package instructions, usually about **8-10 minutes**, until al dente. Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it will cook further in the oven. Once cooked, drain the pasta and carefully rinse the tubes under cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay them on a clean kitchen towel to dry.

### Step 4: Stuff the Manicotti
Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.

Using a spoon or piping bag, stuff each cooked manicotti tube with the **cheese filling**. Don’t overstuff, but ensure each tube is well-filled. Arrange the stuffed manicotti in a single layer in the greased baking dish.

### Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Pour the **meat sauce** over the stuffed manicotti, making sure each tube is covered with a generous amount of sauce. Sprinkle the top with **1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese** for a melty, golden topping.

### Step 6: Bake the Manicotti
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for **25 minutes**. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional **10-15 minutes**, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

### Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the manicotti is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve the **Cheesy Baked Manicotti** with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

## Tips for the Best Cheesy Baked Manicotti with Meat Sauce

### 1. **Don’t Overstuff the Manicotti**: While it’s tempting to fill the pasta tubes to the brim, make sure to leave a little room for the filling to expand as it bakes. Overstuffed manicotti can break during baking.

### 2. **Use High-Quality Marinara Sauce**: The flavor of your sauce will greatly affect the overall taste of the dish. If you have the time, try making your own sauce for the best results. If using store-bought, opt for a good-quality **marinara**.

### 3. **Bake with Foil**: Covering the dish with foil during the initial baking helps retain moisture and ensures the cheese melts evenly. Removing the foil toward the end allows the cheese to brown beautifully.

### 4. **Make Ahead**: You can prepare the **manicotti and meat sauce** a day in advance, then assemble and bake it when you’re ready to serve. Just store the prepared dish covered in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

### 5. **Extra Cheese**: If you love cheesy goodness, feel free to add extra cheese—mozzarella, provolone, or even a bit of ricotta to the top before baking for an extra cheesy crust.

## Why You’ll Keep Coming Back for More

### 1. **A Classic Italian Comfort Food**
There’s something universally satisfying about pasta, cheese, and meat sauce. **Cheesy Baked Manicotti with Meat Sauce** is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

### 2. **Rich and Flavorful**
The combination of **rich meat sauce**, **creamy cheese**, and **al dente pasta** creates an unforgettable flavor that’s perfectly balanced. The sauce and cheese soak into the manicotti tubes, creating a melty, savory bite in every forkful.

### 3. **Customizable for Every Taste**
Whether you prefer a beefier sauce or a lighter turkey-based option, this recipe can easily be adjusted to suit your preferences. Plus, you can play around with different cheeses and herbs for a personalized twist on the classic.

### 4. **Great for Leftovers**
This dish makes fantastic leftovers. It holds up beautifully when reheated, and the flavors often intensify the next day, making it even more delicious.

## Final Thoughts: Comfort on a Plate

**Cheesy Baked Manicotti with Meat Sauce** is the perfect dish for when you want to indulge in a rich, hearty meal full of flavor. Whether you’re serving it to a crowd or enjoying a quiet night at home, this meal is sure to satisfy. With its cheesy, meaty goodness and easy-to-follow steps, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a plate of **Italian comfort food** at its finest!