Ingredients
1 lb. ground beef
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 clove garlic, grated
1 24-oz. can crushed tomatoes
18 oz. ricotta cheese
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp. chopped fresh oregano, plus more for garnish
2 c. freshly grated Parmesan, divided
1 8-oz. package manicotti, cooked, drained, and cooled
Preparation
Step 1Preheat oven to 375°.Step 2In a sauté pan over medium-high heat brown ground beef; break up meat using a wooden spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic; cook 1 minute. Add tomatoes; bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Keep warm. Step 3In a large mixing bowl combine ricotta, eggs, lemon zest, oregano, and 1 cup Parmesan. Ladle a thin layer of meat sauce into a large casserole dish. Spoon ricotta mixture into each manicotti tube and place in casserole dish. Top with meat sauce and sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Step 4Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly, 28 to 30 minutes. Garnish with fresh oregano and serve immediately.
