Franks And Chili Manicotti Ole
A cheesy, flavorful manicotti dish filled with frankfurters and topped with chili and beans, perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight family dinners with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook manicotti shells in boiling salted water according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- Shred 4 ounces of Monterey Jack cheese and set aside.
- Cut remaining cheese into 4-inch strips.
- Slit frankfurters lengthwise and insert a cheese strip into each.
- Stuff each frankfurter with the cheese-filled end and place inside each cooked manicotti shell.
- Combine the chili and beans, and the tomatoes and jalapenos in a bowl.
- Spread 2 cups of the chili-bean mixture in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed manicotti in the dish on top of the mixture.
- Pour the remaining chili-bean mixture over the stuffed manicotti.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
- Uncover, sprinkle with the shredded cheese, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding diced onions or bell peppers to the chili mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the frankfurters with grilled vegetables or meat alternatives. To save time, use pre-cooked or frozen manicotti shells. Additionally, try adding spices like cumin or chili powder for enhanced flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top. For a fun twist, consider serving alongside Fair Corn Dogs as a playful side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture, for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Franks And Chili Manicotti Ole contains roughly 502 calories, with 22g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), protein (43% of the Daily Value), and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1230mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the manicotti and chili mixture a day in advance. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through thoroughly.
What can I do if I don't have manicotti shells?
If manicotti shells aren't available, you can use jumbo pasta shells or even lasagna noodles. For lasagna, layer the chili mixture and stuffed shells instead of rolling them. Just adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure everything is heated and bubbly.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the frankfurters with vegetarian sausage or grilled vegetables. You can also use a meatless chili to maintain the flavors while keeping it vegetarian. This will still provide a hearty and satisfying meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).