Some of my family members refer to this dish as manicotti, while others call it an Italian casserole. So, I’ve decided to name it Manicotti Italian Casserole! It’s one of my absolute favorite meals to make, and the best part is that it’s incredibly easy. When hosting gatherings, I prepare the full recipe, but for my family, I usually cut it in half.
Manicotti Italian Casserole Recipe
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 8 | Yield: 8 servings
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
Directions
- Preheat the 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 the pasta and set it 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.
- Assemble the casserole: Stir in the drained mushrooms, spaghetti sauce, and cooked pasta into the baking dish with the meat. Mix well. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, then layer with thinly sliced pepperoni.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is brown and bubbly, about 20 minutes.
How to Make Manicotti Italian Casserole
To make this casserole even more flavorful, you can add additional ingredients like chopped onions, bell peppers, or olives. Customize the recipe by using your favorite type of pasta or a different blend of cheeses.
How to Store Manicotti Italian Casserole
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply cover the dish with aluminum foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F until heated through. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2 months; just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
– Calories: 909
– Fat: 43g
– Carbs: 78g
– Protein: 52g
This Manicotti Italian Casserole is a versatile and comforting dish that’s sure to please any crowd. Its blend of hearty ingredients and gooey cheese makes it a family favorite for both special occasions and everyday dinners. Whether you’re cooking for a large gathering or a small family meal, this recipe can be easily adjusted to fit your needs. Enjoy the delicious layers of flavor and the simplicity of preparation, and watch as it becomes a staple in your meal rotation.