Tex-Mex Stuffed Manicotti
This Tex-Mex stuffed manicotti is a delicious twist on the traditional Italian favorite, featuring a robust filling of lean ground beef and zesty refried beans, spiced with chili powder and oregano. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or special occasion, this dish can easily be adapted for vegetarians by omitting the meat and enhancing the bean filling. Preparation is a breeze, as you can assemble it in the morning and let it refrigerate, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Top it off with melted Monterey Jack cheese, fresh green onions, and ripe olives for a vibrant, satisfying meal that's sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 lb (uncooked)
refried beans
16 ounces (canned)
chili powder
3 teaspoons (ground)
oregano
3 teaspoons (dried)
manicotti shells
8 ounces (uncooked)
water
2 1/2 cups (room temperature)
picante sauce
16 ounces (jarred)
sour cream
16 ounces (for serving)
shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup (shredded)
green onion
1/4 cup (sliced)
ripe olives
1/4 cup (sliced)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked ground beef, refried beans, chili powder, and oregano. Mix until well blended.
2
Carefully spoon the mixture into each unmanned manicotti shell using a small spoon or piping bag.
3
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 13x9 inch baking pan.
4
Place the stuffed manicotti shells in the prepared baking pan, arranging them in a single layer.
5
In a separate bowl, combine the water and picante sauce. Pour this mixture evenly over the stuffed manicotti.
6
Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight for best results.
7
Remove the pan from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
8
Cover the pan with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
9
After 1 hour, remove the foil and sprinkle the cheese, green onions, and olives on top.
10
Return to the oven (uncovered) and bake for an additional 8 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Serve with a dollop of sour cream on top for extra creaminess.
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
18.75g
Carbs
31.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tex-Mex Stuffed Manicotti?
It is a delicious twist on traditional Italian manicotti, featuring a robust filling of lean ground beef and refried beans spiced with chili powder and oregano.
Do I need to boil the manicotti shells before stuffing?
No, you use uncooked manicotti shells for this recipe; they soften while refrigerating in the sauce and during the baking process.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt it for vegetarians by omitting the ground beef and enhancing the bean filling.
How long should the dish be refrigerated before baking?
The assembled dish should be refrigerated for at least 8 hours, or overnight for the best results.
What are the main ingredients in the filling?
The filling consists of uncooked lean ground beef, canned refried beans, ground chili powder, and dried oregano.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
What size baking pan is needed?
A 13x9 inch baking pan is recommended for this recipe.
Should the baking pan be greased?
Yes, the 13x9 inch baking pan should be lightly greased before placing the manicotti shells inside.
What liquid is poured over the manicotti before refrigerating?
A mixture of 2 1/2 cups of room temperature water and 16 ounces of jarred picante sauce is poured evenly over the shells.
How do you suggest stuffing the shells?
You can carefully spoon the mixture into the shells using a small spoon or a piping bag.
How long does the manicotti bake?
The manicotti bakes covered for 1 hour, followed by an additional 8 minutes uncovered once toppings are added.
What toppings are added after the first hour of baking?
After one hour, the foil is removed and the dish is topped with Monterey Jack cheese, sliced green onions, and sliced ripe olives.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
One cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese is used as a topping.
Should the dish sit out before baking?
Yes, after removing the pan from the refrigerator, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
It is recommended to serve the dish with a dollop of sour cream on top for extra creaminess.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 400 calories per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
This recipe contains 31.25g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 22.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 18.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of beef is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of lean ground beef.
Is the ground beef cooked before mixing?
No, the ground beef is mixed into the filling while uncooked.
What type of olives are used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of sliced ripe olives.
How much chili powder is used?
The recipe uses 3 teaspoons of ground chili powder.
How much oregano is required?
The recipe requires 3 teaspoons of dried oregano.
How many manicotti shells are needed?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of uncooked manicotti shells.
What type of sauce is used for the liquid base?
A 16-ounce jar of picante sauce is used.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total.
How should the shells be arranged in the pan?
The stuffed manicotti shells should be arranged in a single layer in the baking pan.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and an easy dinner option.
When should I add the sour cream?
The sour cream should be added as a dollop on top right before serving.