Spicy Mexican Manicotti Fiesta
Bring the vibrant flavors of Mexico to your dinner table with these scrumptious Spicy Mexican Manicotti Fiesta shells! Each manicotti is generously stuffed with a savory filling of seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy salsa, creating a perfect blend of taste and texture. Topped with melty cheese and served alongside crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes, this dish is not only a family favorite but also perfect for gatherings. Feel free to adjust the spices to cater to everyone’s palate. This recipe is easily doubled for larger groups, ensuring that no one leaves the table hungry!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Manicotti
4 ounces (cooked until firm-tender)
Ground beef
1 lb (browned)
Onion
1 (chopped)
Garlic
2 tablespoons (fresh minced)
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon
Dried chili pepper flakes
1-2 teaspoons (optional, adjust to taste)
Green bell pepper
1 small (seeded and finely chopped)
Seasoning salt
(to taste)
Black pepper
(to taste)
Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (grated)
Chili powder
1 tablespoon (or to taste)
Cumin
1/2 tablespoon (or to taste)
Prepared salsa
1/2 cup (medium or spicy heat)
Sour cream
1/3 cup
Cheddar cheese
2 cups (shredded)
Lettuce
1 head (shredded)
Tomatoes
2 (chopped)
Green bell pepper
1 (seeded and chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
3
In a heavy skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onions, minced garlic, and finely chopped bell pepper. Stir in the dried oregano and optional chili flakes for an extra kick. Cook for about 6 minutes or until the beef is fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
4
Incorporate 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the beef mixture. Season with seasoning salt and black pepper to taste.
5
Stir in the prepared salsa and let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 5-6 minutes to combine the flavors well.
6
Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the sour cream until well combined.
7
Carefully stuff each cooked manicotti shell with the beef mixture, ensuring they are packed nicely.
8
Arrange the stuffed shells in the greased baking dish, placing them side by side.
9
Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese lightly over the stuffed shells for added flavor.
10
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes.
11
After the initial baking time, remove the foil and generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the shells.
12
Return the dish to the oven (uncovered) for another 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13
Once done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
14
Serve the Spicy Mexican Manicotti Fiesta with a fresh side of shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and chopped green bell peppers for a refreshing crunch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Mexican Manicotti Fiesta?
It is a vibrant dish featuring manicotti pasta shells stuffed with seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy salsa, topped with melted cheddar cheese.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How much manicotti pasta is needed?
You will need 4 ounces of manicotti, which should be cooked until firm-tender.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil before arranging the shells.
What is the first step in preparing the beef filling?
Brown the ground beef in a heavy skillet over medium heat along with chopped onions, minced garlic, and finely chopped bell pepper.
Which herbs are used to season the beef?
The beef is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and optional dried chili pepper flakes for heat.
Do I need to drain the meat after browning?
Yes, you should drain the excess fat after the beef and vegetables are fully cooked.
What kind of salsa should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of prepared salsa, recommending medium or spicy heat depending on your preference.
When do I add the sour cream?
After the beef mixture has simmered with salsa and been removed from the heat, gently fold in 1/3 cup of sour cream.
What types of cheese are used in this dish?
The recipe uses both grated Parmesan cheese in the filling and topping, and shredded cheddar cheese as the final melted layer.
How long should the beef mixture simmer with salsa?
Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 5-6 minutes to combine the flavors.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of fresh minced garlic.
What Mexican-inspired spices are included?
The filling includes 1 tablespoon of chili powder and 1/2 tablespoon of cumin.
Is it necessary to cover the dish while baking?
Yes, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil for the initial 15-20 minutes of baking.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time is approximately 20-27 minutes, divided into a 15-20 minute covered bake and a 5-7 minute uncovered bake to melt the cheese.
When do I add the shredded cheddar cheese?
Add the cheddar cheese after the initial covered baking period, then return the dish to the oven uncovered.
How do I know when the manicotti is ready to come out of the oven?
The dish is ready when the cheddar cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
What fresh toppings should be served with this dish?
It is recommended to serve the manicotti with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and chopped green bell peppers for a refreshing crunch.
Can I make this recipe for a large group?
Yes, this recipe is easily doubled to accommodate larger gatherings.
How much ground beef is required?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ground beef.
What is the purpose of letting the dish cool slightly?
Letting the dish cool slightly before serving helps the filling set and makes it easier to plate.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of chili powder, cumin, and chili flakes to cater to your personal palate.
How much Parmesan cheese is added to the beef mixture?
1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese is incorporated into the beef mixture before stuffing the shells.
What size bell pepper is used in the filling?
One small green bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped, is used in the beef filling.
What is the texture of the manicotti shells before stuffing?
The manicotti shells should be pre-cooked until they are firm-tender.
How should the stuffed shells be arranged?
Arrange the stuffed shells side by side in the greased baking dish.
How many tomatoes are suggested for the side garnish?
The recipe suggests using 2 chopped tomatoes for the side garnish.
What type of lettuce is used for serving?
One head of shredded lettuce is used as a fresh side accompaniment.
Can I use seasoning salt in this dish?
Yes, seasoning salt and black pepper are used to season the beef mixture to taste.
What is the role of the green bell pepper at the end?
A second green bell pepper is chopped and served fresh as part of the garnish for a refreshing crunch.