Microwave Mexican Manicotti
A quick and cheesy microwave Mexican dish featuring tender manicotti shells filled with spiced beef and beans, topped with sour cream, olives, and melted cheese for a flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 to 3/4 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 cup refried beans with sausage ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cumin
- 8 large manicotti shells ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups water ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can or jar picante or taco sauce ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) carton sour cream ⓘ
- 1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sliced ripe olives ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine uncooked ground beef, refried beans with sausage, oregano, and cumin; mix well.
- Fill uncooked shells with the meat mixture.
- Arrange the filled shells in a 10 x 6 x 2-inch microwave-safe dish.
- Combine water and picante or taco sauce, then pour over the shells.
- Cover the dish with vented plastic wrap.
- Cook on High for 10 minutes, giving the dish a half turn once.
- Using tongs, turn shells over and cook on Medium for 17 to 19 minutes until the pasta is tender.
- Mix sour cream, chopped green onion, and sliced ripe olives.
- Pour the sour cream mixture down the center of the casserole.
- Top with shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Cook on High for 2 minutes until the cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker version, you can use pre-cooked ground beef or substitute ground turkey for a lighter option. If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding diced jalapeños to the meat mixture or using a hotter picante sauce. To enhance the flavor, incorporate fresh cilantro or lime juice. This dish is reminiscent of other Mexican recipes, like A Touch Of Mexico Casserole, so feel free to experiment with ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Microwave Mexican Manicotti with a side of fresh salad or tortilla chips for a complete meal. A dollop of guacamole or fresh salsa on top adds a refreshing touch. This dish pairs beautifully with Big Sky Beef for a hearty feast, and a light Mexican beer can complement the flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the manicotti in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute increments until warmed through. For best results, avoid reheating multiple times to maintain texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Mexican Manicotti contains roughly 566 calories, with 27g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (80% of the Daily Value), protein (53% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 665mg per serving (29% 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 use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Monterey Jack cheese adds a creamy texture, you can substitute it with cheddar, pepper jack, or even a vegan cheese alternative for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the cheese melts well for the best results.
How do I prevent the manicotti shells from breaking?
To prevent breaking, handle the manicotti shells gently and consider soaking them in warm water for a few minutes before filling. Ensure they are filled carefully to maintain their shape and avoid overcooking in the microwave, which can make them fragile.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and using black beans or lentils instead. Additionally, you can replace the refried beans with a vegetarian version to keep the dish hearty and flavorful without meat.
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).