Stuffed Manicotti with Fresh Marinara Sauce

Recipe courtesy Lorraine Stevenski, Clearwater, FL

Show: Episode:

Rated 5 stars out of 5
  • Rate This Recipe
  • Read 5 Reviews
Total Time:
2 hr 35 min
Prep
45 min
Inactive
15 min
Cook
1 hr 35 min
Yield:
about 6 servings
Level:
Intermediate
x

Save To My Recipe Box

Please limit to 20 characters

Saving Recipe

Adding Recipe

Or Do Not Add

Success

This recipe was saved to your Folder_Name folder.

x

Save To My Recipe Box

Please sign in to save this recipe to your Recipe Box!!

25 Characters Max

Enter Time:

:
:

You can create up to five timers

Ingredients

Crespelle Batter:

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • Pinch salt
  • Vegetable cooking spray

Ricotta Filling:

  • 1 pound ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 pound shredded mozzarella cheese (in a 8-ounce bag)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped

Marinara Sauce:

Manicotti Topping:

Make the crepes (crespelle):

Directions

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and melted butter. Gradually whisk in the flour and salt until the mixture is smooth. Refrigerate for 1 hour until slightly thickened.

Spray an 8-inch nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Place the pan over medium heat. With a small ladle, pour about 3 tablespoons of the batter into the pan. Turn the pan at a 45 degree angle to coat the pan evenly so the batter forms a perfect circle. Cook the crepe only until lightly browned, about 30 seconds. Turn the crepe over with a spatula and cook the other side only until lightly browned, about 30 seconds. Slide the crepe onto a 12-inch platter and continue the process with the remaining batter. Stack the crepes between waxed paper so they don't stick. You can prepare these crepes a day in advance covered in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. No need to reheat the crepes before filling and baking.

Make the ricotta filling:

In a large bowl, add all the ingredients for the ricotta filling. With a large wooden spoon or spatula, stir all the ingredients until well blended. Store covered in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until ready to use. You can make this filling the day before.

Make the marinara sauce:

In a large heavy nonreactive saucepan with a lid, heat the olive oil on medium heat. Stir in the onion and garlic and cook until fragrant but NOT browned. Add the crushed tomatoes to the pan and crush further with a potato masher. Simmer 30 minutes, slightly covered, on medium-low heat, stirring every so often.

Add the parsley, basil leaves and salt and pepper, to taste, and simmer for another 10 minutes until the sauce is slightly reduced. Taste and re-season as necessary.

Put it all together:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat the bottom of a 13 by 9-inch glass or ceramic baking dish with 1 cup of the prepared marinara sauce.

Spoon 3 tablespoons of the prepared ricotta filling 1 inch from the edge of a crepe. Roll evenly into a log, keeping the filling even as you roll. Repeat with the remaining crepes. Place manicotti seam side down and side by side in the sauced baking pan.

Spoon 1 to 2 cups of sauce over the top of the manicotti. Sprinkle with the grated Parmesan.

Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake about 20 minutes. Uncover and bake another 20 minutes until the topping is golden brown and sides are bubbling. Let rest about 15 minutes before serving to firm up the manicotti filling.

Print Recipe

Browse Reviews by Keywordnew!

Loading review filters...

COMMENT ON THIS PROJECT

    

Sign in

All fields are required.

E-mail Address:

Password:

Remember me on this computer

Signing in

Please enter your email address and we will send your password

E-mail Address

Your password has been sent and should arrive in your mailbox very soon.

Not a member?

Sign up for My Food Network to share photos, show off your style, and connect to an enthusiastic and helpful community.

It's free and easy.

Review This Recipe

You must be logged in to review this recipe.

Newest Ratings and Reviews

Read all 5 reviews

  • on March 03, 2012

    Flag

    Wow! I followed this recipe to a T. It was delious and so easy to prep the day before. try it you will like it!

    people found this review Helpful.
    Was this review helpful to you? Yes | No
  • on May 12, 2009

    Flag

    This recipe is a great family dinner or crowd pleaser. Takes a little prep work but well worth the effort. Nothing is worse than tons of time in making a meal and it's just ok. This will not disappoint. You're going to love it!!

    people found this review Helpful.
    Was this review helpful to you? Yes | No
  • on January 04, 2009

    Flag

    This has become a staple in our house! It's easy, although it does take time. Absolutely delicious and it's easy to be creative with the stuffing. We just make a half-recipe of the cheese filling, then mix the same amount of chicken, spinach or seafood to obtain the total amount of filling. You can lower the calories that way too. It's so easy my 23 year old son is making it tonight for his girlfriend after doing it once with me over the holidays!

    people found this review Helpful.
    Was this review helpful to you? Yes | No
Advertisement

What's Hot

Iron Chef America

Hosted by: Alton Brown

Free Recipe of the Day Newsletter

Let Food Network chefs plan what's for dinner, with quick and easy recipes delivered to your inbox daily.

Ads by Google

© 2013 Television Food Network G.P. All rights reserved.