Stuffed Manicotti
This delicious Freezer-Friendly Stuffed Manicotti is a hearty, filling, and oh-so-good meal for any night of the week. Keep one or two in the freezer for an easy dinner in a pinch.
When I think of great meals to freeze, pasta and casseroles reign high on my list. They are hearty, sturdy, and easy to take from the freezer straight to the oven for reheating.
Freezer Friendly Stuffed Manicotti
This Stuffed Manicotti Freezer Meal is one of my favorites because it's an all-in-one meal that serves our family easily and heartily. Sometimes I throw together a quick salad as a side dish but many times this ends up being a complete meal since there are already veggies inside!
Stuffed Manicotti is also a great meal to have in the freezer for any unexpected company as it turns out beautiful and makes a great presentation on the table. I've received so many compliments on this throughout the year!
When I make this, I like to make a double batch so I have one for dinner and one in the freezer at all times.
I'm including the recipe for the filling to make this a delicious Spinach and Sausage Stuffed Manicotti but feel free to substitute any filling you want! You can easily make this a vegetarian dish by omitting the sausage.
Stuffed Manicotti Ingredients
- Manicotti (12-14 count cooked to al dente and set aside)
- Italian sausage
- Frozen chopped spinach
- Mozzarella
- Fire-roasted tomatoes
- Oregano
- Minced garlic
- Marinara or tomato pasta sauce
How to Make Stuffed Manicotti
How to Prepare Make-Ahead Manicotti:
In a large skillet mix together sausage, spinach, roasted tomatoes, oregano, and minced garlic.
Heat through over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes.
Remove from heat and mix in mozzarella.
Use a small spoon to stuff each manicotti with 2 tablespoons mixture layering into the bottom of a pre-spayed disposable foil pan.
Cover manicotti with pasta sauce.
Sprinkle top with remaining mozzarella cheese
Cover the top of the foil-lined pan with plastic wrap. Seal with lid or layer of aluminum foil.
Label and freeze.
To Cook Stuffed Manicotti from the Freezer:
- Remove from freezer.
- Take off aluminum foil and set aside.
- Remove Plastic wrap.
- Replace Aluminum foil and heat at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until bubbling and cheese melted.
What kind of filling can I use?
You can stuff this manicotti with your preferred filling. Traditional stuffed manicotti is stuffed with a ricotta cheese mixture. I prefer a mixture of spinach, sausage, and mozzarella cheese but if you want to keep it vegetarian, omit the sausage. I've seen others add kale and other vegetables too. Or make a yummy extra cheese stuffed manicotti with ricotta and a variety of other cheeses!
What is the difference between stuffed manicotti and stuffed shells?
Manicotti and stuffed shells are two very simple recipes, as they're both noodles stuffed with a filling and covered with sauce. The main difference is the type of pasta used – manicotti are long tubes that need to be stuffed from the sides while the shells are, well, shells that are open on the top.
Stuffed Manicotti
Ingredients
- 1 Box Manicotti 12-14 count Cooked to al dente and set aside
- 1 Pound Italian Sausage cooked and drained
- 1 10 oz Package Frozen Chopped Spinach
- 2 Cups Shredded Mozzarella reserve ½ cup
- 1 Can Diced Fire Roasted Tomatoes
- 1 Teaspoon Oregano
- 1 Teaspoon Crushed Minced Garlic
- 3 Cups Favorite Marinara or Tomato Based Pasta Sauce
Instructions
- In large skillet mix together sausage, spinach, roasted tomatoes, oregano and minced garlic.
- Heat through over medium high heat for 5-6 minutes.
- Remove from heat and mix in mozzarella.
- Use a small spoon to stuff each manicotti with 2 tablespoons mixture layering into the bottom of a pre-spayed disposable foil pan.
- Cover manicotti with pasta sauce.
- Sprinkle top with remaining mozzarella cheese
- Cover top of foil lined pan with plastic wrap. Seal with lid or layer of aluminum foil.
- Label and freeze.
Notes
TO REHEAT:
- Remove from freezer.
- Remove aluminum foil and set aside.
- Remove Plastic wrap.
- Replace Aluminum foil and heat at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until bubbling and cheese melted.
Other Easy Freezer Meals
- Healthy Stuffed Peppers with Ground Turkey
- Homemade Bean Burritos
- Paleo Turnip and Beet Beef Roast
- How to Freeze Meat
Savanah, looks good! I love cooking meals ahead and freezing them! Nice to not have to resort to takeout on a busy day.
If I cooked it first, could it be reheated in the microwave after being frozen? I’m looking for a recipe to make in small batches for elderly grandparents who would do better with a microwave than oven…
I would think it would work, but you’d need to test it to see how long they should microwave it for.