Easy Italian Sausage Manicotti Bake

Indulge in a comforting Italian classic with this Italian Sausage Manicotti Bake.

Filled with a rich, creamy ricotta mixture and smothered in a savory sausage and marinara sauce, this baked manicotti dish offers layers of delicious flavors and gooey melted cheese.

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It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for family dinners or any occasion when you want to savor the taste of homemade Italian cuisine.

Ingredients:

• 14 manicotti pasta tubes
• 1 lb ground Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 oz marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat Oven

• Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook the manicotti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
• Drain and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare Sausage Mixture

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent.

Step 3: Cook Sausage

• Add the ground Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon until fully cooked and browned.
• Drain any excess fat.

Step 4: Combine Sauce

• Stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce into the sausage mixture and let it simmer for a few minutes.
• Remove from heat.

Step 5: Mix Cheese Filling

• In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, and parsley.
• Season with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Stuff Manicotti

• Carefully fill each manicotti tube with the ricotta mixture using a spoon or a piping bag.

Step 7: Assemble Dish

• Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Arrange the stuffed manicotti tubes in a single layer over the sauce.

Step 8: Add Sausage Sauce

• Pour the sausage and marinara mixture over the manicotti tubes, ensuring they are well covered.

Step 9: Top with Cheese

• Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 10: Bake

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 11: Cool and Serve

• Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute the Italian sausage with a different type of ground meat, like turkey or chicken, if you prefer a lighter option.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the manicotti bake a day in advance. Cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.