10/10/2026
Crockpot Cheesy Beef Manicotti 🍝🧀
Tender manicotti pasta stuffed with seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, all smothered in rich tomato sauce and slow-cooked until perfectly tender. This hearty, cheesy Italian-inspired dinner is easy to prepare and ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy family meal.
Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
3–4 hours
Servings
6
Ingredients
For the beef filling
1 lb ground beef
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup ricotta cheese
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
Salt, to taste
For the sauce and pasta
1 package (8–9 oz) manicotti shells, uncooked
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
½ cup water or beef broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Brown the beef. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 7–9 minutes, breaking up the meat, until the beef is fully browned. Drain excess grease.
2. Add the garlic. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
3. Make the cheesy filling. In a bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, ricotta, ½ cup mozzarella, ¼ cup Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until evenly combined.
4. Prepare the sauce. In another bowl, mix the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, and water or beef broth until smooth.
5. Stuff the manicotti. Carefully fill the uncooked manicotti shells with the beef and cheese mixture using a small spoon or piping bag. Handle the shells gently to avoid breaking them.
6. Layer in the slow cooker. Spread a thin layer of sauce over the bottom of a greased 6-quart slow cooker. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer where possible. Pour the remaining sauce over the pasta, ensuring the shells are completely covered.
7. Slow cook. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours, checking around the 3-hour mark. The pasta should be tender when pierced with a fork. Cooking times vary by slow cooker, so avoid overcooking.
8. Add the remaining cheese. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top during the last 15–20 minutes. Cover and continue cooking until the cheese melts.
9. Rest and serve. Turn off the slow cooker and let the manicotti rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with extra sauce.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Manicotti
Keep the shells covered: Any exposed pasta may remain hard, so make sure the sauce reaches all the shells.
Use a piping bag: A zip-top bag with one corner snipped off makes stuffing the manicotti much easier.
Don't skip browning the beef: This adds flavor and removes excess grease before slow cooking.
Avoid overcooking: Start checking the pasta at 3 hours to prevent the shells from becoming mushy.
Make it extra cheesy: Add provolone or a little shredded Italian cheese blend to the filling.
Easy Variations
Italian sausage and beef: Replace half the ground beef with Italian sausage.
Spinach and beef: Mix ½ cup thawed, squeezed-dry spinach into the ricotta filling.
Spicy manicotti: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy marinara.
Creamy tomato version: Stir ¼ cup cream into the sauce before pouring it over the shells.
What to Serve With It
Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
Caesar salad
Roasted broccoli or green beans
Italian chopped salad
Make-ahead tip: Prepare the beef and cheese filling up to one day ahead and refrigerate. Stuff the uncooked shells and assemble shortly before slow cooking for the best texture.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat with a spoonful of extra sauce until hot throughout.