Mexican Manicotti
Mexican Manicotti is a flavorful twist on traditional Italian pasta, featuring a savory filling of ground beef, refried beans, and spices, baked with a zesty sauce and topped with cheese, sour cream, and fresh tomatoes. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or casual gathering with bold Mexican-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Mix the cooked beef with refried beans, oregano, and cumin.
- Fill uncooked manicotti shells with the beef and bean mixture.
- Arrange the filled shells in a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Combine taco or picante sauce with water and pour over the shells.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Turn the shells over carefully and bake for an additional 25 minutes.
- Mix sour cream, chopped green onions, and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Spread the sour cream mixture over the shells and bake for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle diced tomatoes on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with crumbled tofu or a meat alternative. You can also add diced bell peppers or corn to the filling for extra flavor. Ensure the manicotti shells are not overcooked before filling, as they will continue to soften in the oven. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a dash of chili powder or using your favorite spicy salsa instead of taco sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mexican Manicotti with a fresh side salad or some corn tortillas for a complete meal. A dollop of guacamole or a side of Mexican rice pairs beautifully with this dish, adding extra texture and flavor. For additional spice, consider serving with jalapeño slices or your favorite hot sauce on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the manicotti in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Manicotti contains roughly 751 calories, with 32g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (77% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (65% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1131mg per serving (49% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the manicotti and assemble it in the baking dish a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through completely.
What if I can't find manicotti shells?
If manicotti shells are unavailable, you can use large pasta shells or cannelloni. Just ensure they are cooked al dente before filling, as they will soften further while baking. Adjust the cooking times as necessary based on the pasta you choose.
Can I freeze the Mexican Manicotti?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Assemble the manicotti and cover it tightly before placing it in the freezer. To bake from frozen, add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time, or thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking for best results.
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).