Homemade Gluten-Free Stuffed Manicotti
The most amazing, comforting Italian-inspired gluten -free dish.
There is something so comforting about a homemade baked pasta dish, and this gluten-free stuffed manicotti is one of my favorites. Filled with seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, spinach, and plenty of cheese, every bite is rich, hearty, and full of flavor. The homemade meat sauce and golden, bubbly mozzarella topping make this the perfect cozy dinner.
I love using Jovial gluten-free manicotti to make this recipe, so everyone can enjoy a classic comfort food favorite without the gluten.
Ingredients
For the Meat Mixture
1 stalk of celery, finely chopped
2 medium onions, finely chopped
½ container of fresh spinach, thinly sliced
1 lb 85% lean ground beef
2 cans tomato sauce
For the Ricotta Filling
1 large container ricotta cheese
2 bags mozzarella cheese, divided
Grated Parmesan cheese, to taste
Italian seasoning, to taste
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Garlic powder, to taste
Onion powder, to taste
For the Pasta
1 box Jovial gluten-free manicotti
Instructions
1. Boil your Manicotti
I like to boil my manicotti a little before starting the next steps that way it is easier to handle and has time to cool down before filling. I prefer to do cook it a little al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven!
2. Prepare the Vegetables
Finely chop the celery and onions. I personally use a food processor to get them extra fine because I’m not a fan of chunky vegetables in my filling. You can chop them by hand if you prefer a little more texture.
Thinly slice the spinach.
3. Cook the Meat and Vegetables
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onions and celery. Break up the beef as it cooks.
Once the beef is nearly cooked through, add the spinach and continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables are soft and well incorporated.
4. Prepare the Ricotta Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Mix everything together until well combined.
5. Make the Meat Sauce
Before adding the tomato sauce to the skillet, remove approximately ¾ of the cooked ground beef and vegetable mixture and transfer it to the ricotta bowl.
Add the two cans of tomato sauce to the remaining meat mixture in the skillet. Stir everything together and allow it to warm through over medium-low heat.
This creates a delicious homemade light-meat sauce to layer over the manicotti.
6. Combine the Filling
Mix the reserved ground beef and vegetable mixture into the ricotta filling until everything is evenly incorporated.
Give the filling a taste and adjust your seasonings as needed. I always recommend seasoning to your own preference. Add a little more Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, or Parmesan until the filling tastes just right.
7. Fill the Manicotti
Prepare the Jovial gluten-free manicotti according to the package instructions. Allow the pasta to cool enough to handle.
Transfer the ricotta and meat filling into a piping bag or a large plastic bag with the corner cut off. Carefully pipe the filling into each manicotti shell.
Arrange the stuffed manicotti in a single layer in a baking dish, on top of a thin layer of sauce in your baking dish.
8. Assemble the Dish
Pour the homemade meat sauce evenly over the stuffed manicotti, making sure the pasta is well covered.
Top generously with the remaining mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
9. Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
If you love an extra crispy, golden cheese topping like I do, you can finish the dish under the broiler for a few minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Allow the manicotti to rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving.
My Favorite Tips
Use a food processor: This is my favorite way to finely chop the celery and onions. It creates a smoother filling without noticeable vegetable chunks. (the one I use is linked below, but there are so many options you could use!)
Taste as you go: The ricotta filling is where you can really customize the flavor. Adjust the seasonings until it tastes perfect to you.
Don't skimp on the cheese!!: Extra mozzarella and Parmesan on top help create that delicious golden, bubbly finish.
Broil for the perfect topping (optional): If you love crispy cheese, a quick broil at the end makes all the difference, this is my preference!
Make sure it's gluten-free: Jovial gluten-free manicotti is my pasta of choice for this recipe. Double-check your other ingredients and seasonings for gluten-free labeling as well.
Serving Suggestions
My go-to is to serve this cozy stuffed manicotti with a fresh garden salad or gluten-free garlic bread for the perfect homemade Italian-inspired dinner.
This is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug, especially during the colder seasons — cheesy, hearty, and made with love and truly perfect for all occasions!
Ingredients:
Jovial Manicotti Pasta: https://link.amazon/B03ubKEzH
Food Processor: https://link.amazon/B05m8ecuR
Baking Dish: https://link.amazon/B07slzN6n
Let me know how you like it in the comments below, it is a huge hit with my family and friends and you can't even tell it is gluten-free!
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