String Cheese Manicotti is a fun and cheesy twist on the classic Italian dish. Instead of traditional ricotta filling, this recipe uses string cheese for a gooey, melty surprise inside each manicotti shell. Paired with a savory meat sauce, this dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner or an impressive potluck contribution.
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 ounces) manicotti shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) spaghetti sauce
- 12 pieces string cheese
- 1½ cups (6 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Chopped basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Manicotti:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the manicotti shells according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in the spaghetti sauce and bring to a simmer. Spread half of the meat sauce into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Stuff the Manicotti:
- Carefully stuff each cooked manicotti shell with a piece of string cheese. Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells over the meat sauce in the baking dish.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the remaining meat sauce over the top of the stuffed manicotti shells. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the dish is heated through.
- Add More Cheese:
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with chopped basil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips
- String Cheese: Using string cheese makes this dish fun and easy to assemble. For an extra cheesy experience, you can use two pieces of string cheese per manicotti shell, but one piece is typically enough for a satisfying melt.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- Freezing: String Cheese Manicotti freezes well. Assemble the dish without baking, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and use a marinara sauce instead of meat sauce. You can also add some sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
String Cheese Manicotti offers a delightful and cheesy twist on a beloved classic, making it an excellent choice for any pasta lover looking for something new and delicious!
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