Delicious Manicotti Italian Casserole Recipe | Easy Family Dinner
If you’re searching for a dish that combines rich flavors and comforting ingredients, look no further than the Manicotti Italian Casserole. This recipe is a family favorite, often referred to simply as “manicotti” or “Italian casserole.” It’s a delightful combination of rigatoni pasta, ground beef, Italian sausage, mushrooms, and spaghetti sauce, all topped with melty mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Table of Contents
The Best Manicotti Italian Casserole Recipes
Notes on Ingredients
The ingredients for this casserole are simple yet flavorful. Rigatoni pasta serves as the base, providing a hearty texture that holds up well in the oven. Ground beef and Italian sausage add a robust, meaty flavor, while mushrooms contribute a subtle earthiness. The spaghetti sauce brings everything together with its rich tomato goodness, and the shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices on top create a gooey, savory finish that’s hard to resist.
How to Make Manicotti Italian Casserole
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set the pasta aside.
- Prepare the meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the meat to a baking dish.
- Combine ingredients: Stir the drained mushrooms, spaghetti sauce, and cooked pasta into the baking dish with the meat.
- Assemble the casserole: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and thinly sliced pepperoni over the top of the pasta mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is brown and bubbly, about 20 minutes.
How to Serve Manicotti Italian Casserole
Serve this casserole hot from the oven. It’s best enjoyed with a side salad and some crusty garlic bread. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering. The rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it a satisfying main course.
How to Store Manicotti Italian Casserole
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the desired amount in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until hot and bubbly.
Nutrition information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 935.82 kcal | 47% |
| Total Fat | 52.35 g | 75% |
| Carbs | 65.24 g | 25% |
| Sugars | 10.82 g | 12% |
| Protein | 46.82 g | 94% |
| Sodium | 1989.4 mg | 99% |
| Fiber | 7.57 g | 27% |
| Saturated Fat | 23.34 g | 117% |
| Trans Fat | 0.73 g | – |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 19.61 g | – |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.73 g | – |
| Cholesterol | 154.17 mg | 51% |
| Calcium | 500.22 mg | 63% |
| Magnesium | 67.23 mg | 18% |
| Potassium | 1108.63 mg | 32% |
| Iron | 5.46 mg | 39% |
| Zinc | 6.85 mg | 69% |
| Phosphorus | 592.71 mg | 85% |
| Vitamin A | 444.98 mcg | 56% |
| Vitamin C | 7.71 mg | 10% |
| Thiamin B1 | 0.9 mg | 81% |
| Riboflavin B2 | 0.66 mg | 47% |
| Niacin B3 | 8.79 mg | 55% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.48 mg | 35% |
| Folic Acid B9 | 237.88 mcg | 119% |
| Vitamin B12 | 3.72 mcg | 149% |
| Vitamin D | 0.47 mcg | 9% |
| Vitamin E | 0.36 mg | 3% |
| Vitamin K | 3.25 mcg | 4% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
FAQs About Manicotti Italian Casserole
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with other pasta types like penne or ziti.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it when ready to serve.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled (but unbaked) casserole. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
The Best Manicotti Italian Casserole Recipes
Ingredients
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 8 ounce can mushrooms, drained
- 2 32 ounce jars spaghetti sauce
- 1 ½ pounds shredded mozzarella cheese
- thinly sliced pepperoni
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Pour in rigatoni, and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, and set pasta aside.
- Meanwhile, brown ground beef and italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. With a slotted spoon, remove beef and sausage to a baking dish. Stir mushrooms, spaghetti sauce, and cooked pasta into the baking dish. Sprinkle cheese and pepperoni over the top.
- Bake in preheated oven until the cheese is brown and bubbly, about 20 minutes.
With its combination of robust flavors and simple preparation, the Manicotti Italian Casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!
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