If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful Italian dinner that comes together without the hassle of pre-cooking pasta, this No Boil Manicotti with Meat Sauce Recipe is an absolute game changer! Imagine layers of tender manicotti noodles stuffed with a creamy, cheesy filling and smothered in a rich, homemade sausage tomato sauce—all baked to bubbly, golden perfection. It’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas, makes everyone at the table smile, and satisfies appetites in the most delightful way. Ready to dive into a dish that’s both simple and spectacular? Let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this No Boil Manicotti with Meat Sauce Recipe lies in a handful of straightforward ingredients that work harmoniously to create bold flavors, creamy textures, and vibrant colors. Each component plays a role, from the savory Italian sausage providing hearty richness to the cheeses melting into a luscious filling.
- Italian sausage (1 lb): Removing the casings makes it easy to crumble and cook evenly, adding juicy, savory meatiness.
- Spaghetti sauce (24 oz jar): A rich base that brings acidity, sweetness, and vibrant tomato flavor that ties the dish together.
- Water (1½ cups): Helps the uncooked manicotti noodles soften perfectly in the sauce during baking.
- Cottage cheese (15 oz): Adds a creamy, slightly tangy texture that balances the meat sauce beautifully.
- Mozzarella cheese (2½ cups, divided): Soft, melting, and mild—used in both the filling and topping for gooey goodness.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Introduces a sharp, nutty depth that elevates every bite.
- Dried parsley (1 Tbsp): Adds color and a subtle herby brightness throughout the cheese mixture.
- Large egg (1): Binds the cheese filling together for an easy-to-handle stuffing consistency.
- Manicotti noodles (8 oz box, uncooked): The star pasta, designed to be filled and baked without boiling first.
How to Make No Boil Manicotti with Meat Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This sets the stage for your manicotti masterpiece.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Make the Sauce
In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and cook the Italian sausage until it’s no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from being greasy. Stir in the entire jar of spaghetti sauce and the water, then remove the pan from heat—this flavorful meat sauce is the cozy blanket your manicotti noodles will nestle in.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling and Stuff the Noodles
In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan, dried parsley, and the large egg. Mix well until the ingredients form a creamy, cohesive filling. Using a small spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each uncooked manicotti noodle with the cheese mixture—this step is downright fun and rewarding as you see each noodle fill up with cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Place the filled manicotti noodles side by side in your prepared baking dish. Pour the sausage meat sauce evenly over the filled noodles, making sure they’re well-coated. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture, which is essential for cooking the uncooked noodles thoroughly.
Step 5: Bake and Add the Finishing Touch
Bake the manicotti in your preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, giving the noodles enough time to soften and absorb the savory flavors. Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese on top. Return it to the oven for about 5 more minutes to melt that cheese into a bubbling, golden topping that will make your mouth water.
How to Serve No Boil Manicotti with Meat Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your No Boil Manicotti with Meat Sauce Recipe, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over the top just before serving. A light drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add a little glamor and an extra hint of flavor.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad tossed in a zingy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up every last bit of the luscious meat sauce—trust me, nothing should be left behind!
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider serving individual portions in shallow ramekins for an elegant touch. Layered with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a small side of roasted vegetables, this No Boil Manicotti with Meat Sauce Recipe can shine as a centerpiece that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The manicotti will keep well for up to 3 days and the flavors often deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover No Boil Manicotti with Meat Sauce Recipe by placing portions in freezer-safe containers or wrapping tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months, which means you always have a ready-made dinner on hand for busy nights.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then bake uncovered at 350ºF for about 20 minutes or until heated through. For quicker reheating, microwave on medium power in short bursts, stirring or rotating to ensure even warming without drying out the dish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage adds distinctive flavor, you can substitute with ground beef, ground turkey, or even a plant-based sausage to suit your preference or dietary needs.
Do I really need to add water to the sauce?
Yes, the water is crucial as it helps the uncooked manicotti noodles absorb moisture and cook properly during baking, ensuring the pasta is tender without pre-boiling.
Can I substitute the cottage cheese with ricotta?
Yes, ricotta is a wonderful alternative that will give the filling a richer, creamier texture. Use the same amount and you’ll still achieve fantastic cheesy goodness.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute and keep the rest of the ingredients as is to enjoy a hearty vegetarian version.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can assemble the manicotti a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, bake it as instructed, adding a little extra time if baking from cold.
Final Thoughts
This No Boil Manicotti with Meat Sauce Recipe is truly one of those comforting classics elevated by its simplicity and incredible flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together around the table with smiles and full bellies. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and enjoy every cheesy, saucy, mouthwatering bite!
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No Boil Manicotti with Meat Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This No Boil Manicotti with Meat Sauce is a comforting Italian-inspired casserole featuring uncooked manicotti noodles stuffed with a creamy cheese mixture and smothered in savory Italian sausage and marinara sauce. Baked to perfection, the dish is topped with melted mozzarella cheese, offering a hearty, cheesy meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb Italian sausage, removed from casings
- 1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
- 1½ cups water
Cheese Filling
- 1 (15-oz) container cottage cheese
- 2½ cups mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 Tbsp dried parsley
- 1 large egg
Pasta
- 1 (8-oz) box manicotti noodles, uncooked
Other
- Cooking spray (for greasing pan)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Set your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Italian sausage: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage until it is no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Once done, drain off the excess fat. Stir in the jar of spaghetti sauce and 1½ cups of water, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Prepare the cheese filling and stuff the noodles: In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and the large egg. Mix well until fully incorporated. Carefully fill each uncooked manicotti noodle with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag, and arrange the stuffed noodles in the prepared baking dish.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the meat sauce evenly over the stuffed manicotti noodles in the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake the manicotti: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
- Add the remaining cheese and finish baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the noodles. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and slightly bubbly.
Notes
- Using uncooked manicotti noodles eliminates the need to boil them beforehand, saving time and reducing the number of dishes.
- To easily fill the manicotti, use a piping bag or a plastic zip-top bag with a corner snipped off.
- Ground turkey or beef can be substituted for Italian sausage for a leaner meat option.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce when cooking the sausage.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
