String Cheese Manicotti

Growing up, my family had a special place in our hearts for String Cheese Manicotti. It was one of those meals that could turn an ordinary day into something magical. I remember the smell of bubbling cheese and savory sauce wafting through the house, making everyone gather around the dinner table. Each bite was an explosion of flavors, with the creamy string cheese melding perfectly with the rich spaghetti sauce. This dish became a staple for family gatherings, where laughter and joy filled the air as we devoured our plates. It’s not just a meal; it’s a cherished memory. Making String Cheese Manicotti takes me back to those wonderful times, and I can’t help but smile as I prepare it for my own family now.

What to Gather for String Cheese Manicotti

When it comes to making String Cheese Manicotti, the ingredients are simple yet essential. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The key players include the manicotti shells, which provide a wonderful vessel for the cheesy filling, and the ground beef, which adds heartiness to the dish. The combination of these ingredients makes it not just a meal, but an experience to savor.

• 1 package (8 ounces) manicotti shells: These pasta tubes are perfect for stuffing with the creamy filling. They hold the sauce beautifully and provide a comforting texture.
• 1 pound ground beef: Adds a savory depth to the dish. Cooked until browned, it forms the hearty base of your filling.
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion: This ingredient brings sweetness and aromatic flavor to the filling when sautéed with the beef.
• 1 garlic clove, minced: Garlic enhances the overall flavor of the dish, giving it that beloved aromatic quality.
• 1 jar (24 ounces) spaghetti sauce: The sauce ties everything together, adding moisture and richness to the dish.
• 12 pieces string cheese: The star ingredient! Melted, it becomes gooey and extends deliciously in each bite.
• 1½ cups (6 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese: Adds a cheesy layer on top that gets bubbly and golden in the oven.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: A finishing touch that brings a delightful nuttiness to the dish.
• (Optional) basil, chopped: Fresh basil can be sprinkled on top for an added layer of flavor and color.

Step by Step Instructions for String Cheese Manicotti

Making String Cheese Manicotti is not only a fun process but also rewarding as the end result is absolutely delicious. Follow these simple steps to create a dish that your family will love.

1. Cook the manicotti shells according to the package directions in salted water until slightly al dente. This ensures they won’t fall apart during stuffing.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef and onion. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is translucent, about five to seven minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant. Drain any excess grease from the meat.
4. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Spread half of the meat sauce mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, creating a cozy bed for your manicotti.
6. Once the manicotti shells are cooked, drain them and carefully stuff each shell with a piece of string cheese. Don’t worry if some cheese spills out; that just adds to the gooiness!
7. Arrange the stuffed manicotti over the meat sauce in the baking dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the top, ensuring all shells are covered.
8. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes, or until heated through. This step allows the flavors to combine beautifully.
9. After baking, uncover the dish and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven for an additional five minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Once out of the oven, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with chopped basil if desired. Serve hot, and watch it disappear!

Ways to Customize

There are many ways to personalize your String Cheese Manicotti to suit your taste preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Vegetable Additions: Consider adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the filling for an extra nutrient boost.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses in the filling, such as ricotta or feta, to create a unique flavor profile.
• Spicy Twist: If you enjoy heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or stuffing for a spicy kick.
• Meat Alternatives: For a vegetarian version, swap out the ground beef for a mixture of mushrooms and zucchini.
• Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or oregano into the filling for added freshness.
• Freezing Portions: Prepare extra String Cheese Manicotti and freeze them in individual portions for quick weeknight dinners.

How to Serve String Cheese Manicotti

Serving String Cheese Manicotti is just as important as making it. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve this delicious dish:

• Accompany with Salad: A light garden salad with vinaigrette pairs perfectly, adding a refreshing crunch to your meal.
• Pair with Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is the perfect side to soak up any extra sauce on your plate.
• Casual Family Dinner: String Cheese Manicotti is a fantastic option for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners. Everyone can dig in!
• Special Occasions: Serve this dish during holidays or special events to impress your guests with a homemade classic.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for the best results.
• Freezing Options: You can freeze unbaked String Cheese Manicotti for a quick meal later. Just bake directly from the freezer, adding extra time to the cooking process.

FAQ

Conclusion

The magic of String Cheese Manicotti lies in its comforting flavors and the warmth it brings to the dining table. With its creamy cheese filling and savory meat sauce, this dish is perfect for making memories with family and friends. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll find it’s not only easy to make but also a delightful addition to your meal rotation. Enjoy every cheesy bite!

String Cheese Manicotti

The ultimate comfort food, String Cheese Manicotti is a cheesy delight that will satisfy your cravings. With creamy string cheese and a rich spaghetti sauce, this easy weeknight dinner is sure to become a family favorite. Make it tonight for a heartwarming meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Large Skillet
• 9×13 baking dish

Ingredients

  

• 1 package manicotti shells (8 ounces)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 jar spaghetti sauce (24 ounces)
• 12 pieces string cheese
• 1½ cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (6 ounces)
• 1 amount grated Parmesan cheese optional
• 1 amount basil chopped, optional

Instructions

 

• Cook manicotti according to package directions in salted water.
• While pasta is cooking, cook beef and onion over medium heat in a large skillet until meat is no longer pink; add garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Drain meat.
• Stir in spaghetti sauce. Spread half of the meat sauce into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
• Drain manicotti. Stuff each shell with a piece of string cheese. You could even use 2 pieces of string cheese but we thought one was plenty once it melted.
• Arrange manicotti over meat sauce. Place over meat sauce; top with remaining sauce.
• Cover with foil and bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.
• Uncover and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and bake for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and garnish with basil if desired.

Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze unbaked String Cheese Manicotti for a quick meal later. Just bake directly from the freezer, adding extra time to the cooking process.
• Variations: Add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Cheese Options: Try mixing different cheeses like ricotta for a creamy filling.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can elevate the dish’s flavor!

Keyword Cheesy Pasta Dish, Easy Family Dinner, Italian Comfort Food, String Cheese Manicotti

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Meet Eva Sterling

I have a restless palate and I love that our blog covers such a wide range of food. I am always excited to cook something we haven’t tried before. I jump into every cooking session with enthusiasm, ready to chop, sauté, bake, or grill. I love the collaborative energy of our kitchen we all learn from each other, and that makes every dish we publish better.