Mexican Manicotti(This Is One Of Pastor Kevin'S Favorite Dishes.)
A flavorful Mexican-inspired baked pasta dish featuring seasoned meat, cheese, and spicy sauce, perfect for family dinners and gatherings that love bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine uncooked ground beef or turkey, refried beans, oregano, and cumin in a bowl.
- Mix well to incorporate all ingredients.
- Fill each uncooked manicotti shell with the meat mixture.
- Arrange the filled shells in a baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine water and picante or taco sauce.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the arranged shells.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, until noodles are tender.
- About midway through baking, very carefully turn the noodles over.
- In a small bowl, combine sour cream, chopped green onions, and sliced olives.
- Spread the sour cream mixture over the noodles after removing the dish from oven.
- Note the placement of noodles before adding sour cream to facilitate proper removal.
- Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top as a final layer.
- Return the dish to the oven just long enough to melt the cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of beef. If you want to add more veggies, diced bell peppers or zucchini can be mixed into the filling. Ensure the manicotti shells are filled generously for maximum flavor. If you're short on time, pre-cooked manicotti shells can significantly reduce prep time. You might also enjoy pairing this dish with a side of Mexican Tostito Chip Dip for a delightful appetizer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious Mexican manicotti with a fresh salad or Mexican-style rice to round out the meal. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of guacamole or sour cream on the side. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with additional chopped green onions or cilantro. This dish is a great centerpiece for a family dinner or a potluck gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Mexican manicotti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on medium power until warmed, ensuring the cheese remains melty.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Manicotti(This Is One Of Pastor Kevin'S Favorite Dishes.) contains roughly 1090 calories, with 45g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), protein (90% of the Daily Value), and calcium (89% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 561mg per serving (24% 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 freeze the Mexican manicotti before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled manicotti before baking. Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then cook as directed. This is a great way to have a meal ready for busy nights.
What can I use instead of refried beans?
If you don't have refried beans, you can substitute with black beans or pinto beans that you mash yourself. You can also use a mix of cooked lentils for a vegetarian option. Just ensure the beans are well-seasoned to maintain the flavor profile of the dish.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and add more refried beans or a combination of black beans, corn, and diced vegetables. You can also use tofu or tempeh crumbled into the filling for added protein. Adjust the spices to enhance the flavor, keeping it vibrant and delicious.
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).