Mexican Manicotti is a delicious fusion of Italian and Mexican flavors, featuring stuffed manicotti shells with seasoned ground beef and refried beans, all baked in a zesty picante sauce. This hearty dish is perfect for a crowd and brings a unique twist to traditional manicotti. Topped with cheese, green onions, and olives, it’s a flavorful and comforting meal everyone will enjoy.
Mexican Manicotti
This recipe combines the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with the comfort of baked pasta, making it a great dish for family dinners or gatherings.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes (plus 8 hours of refrigeration)
Cooking Time: 1 hour 8 minutes
Total Time: 9 hours 38 minutes (includes refrigeration time)
Servings: 6-8
Equipment Needed:
- 13×9-inch baking pan
- Large mixing bowl
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 (16-ounce) can refried beans
- 3 teaspoons chili powder
- 3 teaspoons oregano
- 1 (8-ounce) package manicotti (uncooked)
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 16 ounces picante sauce
- 16 ounces sour cream
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup sliced ripe olives
Directions:
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, refried beans, chili powder, and oregano. Mix well.
- Stuff the Manicotti: Carefully spoon the beef and bean mixture into the uncooked manicotti shells. You can use a small spoon or piping bag to make this process easier.
- Arrange the Manicotti: Place the stuffed manicotti shells in a greased 13×9-inch baking pan in a single layer.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the water and picante sauce until combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the stuffed manicotti shells.
- Refrigerate: Cover the pan with foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the pasta to soften.
- Bake the Dish: Remove the pan from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the pan with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Add Toppings: After 1 hour, uncover the pan and sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese, sliced green onions, and olives over the top. Bake for an additional 8 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve with Sour Cream: After baking, remove from the oven and spoon dollops of sour cream over the top just before serving.
This Mexican Manicotti is a fun and flavorful dish that brings together the best of both worlds. The savory beef and bean filling, combined with the spicy picante sauce and melty cheese, make it a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy!