Mexican Manicotti

Mexican Manicotti Recipe: A Flavorful Dish from Mexico

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Mexican Manicotti is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine with the comfort of Italian pasta. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, as it is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.

History

The exact origins of Mexican Manicotti are unclear, but it is believed to have been created as a fusion of Mexican and Italian cuisines. The dish combines the flavors of ground beef, beans, chili powder, and oregano with the creamy texture of sour cream and melted cheese.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
1 can (16 oz or 454 g) refried beans
2.5 tbsp chili powder
1.5 tbsp dried oregano
1 package manicotti shells (8 oz or 227 g)
2.5 cups water
1 jar (16 oz or 454 g) picante sauce
2 cups (16 oz or 454 g) sour cream
1 cup (4 oz or 113 g) shredded monterey jack or Mexican-style cheese
0.25 cup sliced green onions
sliced ripe olives (optional)

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine the uncooked beef, beans, chili powder, and oregano.
Spoon the mixture into uncooked manicotti shells and arrange them in a greased 13"x9"x2" baking dish.
Combine water and picante sauce, then pour the mixture over the shells. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 1 hour.
Uncover, spoon sour cream over the top, and sprinkle with cheese, onion, and any desired toppings.
Bake for an additional 5–10 minutes or until the cheese is melted. This recipe yields 8 servings.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter version of the dish.
Add diced bell peppers or jalapenos for an extra kick of flavor.
Use black beans instead of refried beans for a different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to fully cook the ground beef before stuffing it into the manicotti shells to ensure that it is safe to eat.

- Refrigerating the dish overnight allows the flavors to meld together and makes for an even more delicious meal.

- Be sure to cover the dish while baking to prevent the pasta from drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Mexican Manicotti can be served with a side salad or Mexican rice for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to fully cook the ground beef before stuffing it into the manicotti shells.

- Cover the dish while baking to prevent the pasta from drying out.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.

- Use black beans instead of refried beans.

- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Make Ahead Tips

Mexican Manicotti can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated overnight before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Mexican Manicotti with sliced green onions, sliced ripe olives, and a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Mexican Manicotti pairs well with a crisp green salad and a glass of red wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Mexican Manicotti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mexican Manicotti contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mexican Manicotti contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mexican Manicotti contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Mexican Manicotti contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Mexican Manicotti is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream, cheese) and wheat (manicotti shells).

Summary

Mexican Manicotti is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Mexican Manicotti is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of Mexican and Italian cuisines. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, it is a nutritious meal that is sure to please your taste buds.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Mexican Manicotti. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through my collection of cookbooks, looking for inspiration for dinner. As I flipped through the pages of one particular book, a small slip of paper fell out and fluttered to the ground. I picked it up and saw that it contained a handwritten recipe for Mexican Manicotti.

I had never heard of such a dish before, but the combination of Mexican flavors with Italian pasta intrigued me. I knew I had to give it a try. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could almost taste the spicy tomato sauce, creamy cheese filling, and tender pasta shells. It seemed like the perfect dish to surprise my family with.

The recipe called for ground beef, onions, garlic, chili powder, cumin, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and of course, manicotti shells. It seemed like a lot of ingredients, but I was determined to make it work. I gathered everything I needed from my pantry and set to work in the kitchen.

I started by browning the ground beef with the onions and garlic, then adding the chili powder and cumin for that authentic Mexican flavor. The aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish. As the beef simmered in the tomato sauce, I boiled the manicotti shells until they were al dente.

Next, I mixed together the ricotta cheese and shredded cheddar, creating a rich and creamy filling for the manicotti. I carefully stuffed each shell with the cheese mixture, then placed them in a baking dish and covered them with the spicy beef and tomato sauce.

As I popped the dish in the oven, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. The recipe may have been new to me, but it felt like I had been making Mexican Manicotti for years. The smells wafting from the oven were tantalizing, and I knew that my family would be in for a real treat.

When the timer finally dinged, I pulled the dish out of the oven and marveled at the bubbling cheese and golden pasta shells. The Mexican Manicotti looked even better than I had imagined, and I couldn't wait to dig in. I served it up with a side of Mexican rice and a crisp green salad, creating a feast fit for a king.

As my family sat down to dinner that evening, I watched their faces light up with delight as they took their first bites of Mexican Manicotti. The flavors were bold and comforting, with just the right amount of spice. My husband declared it one of the best dishes I had ever made, and my children eagerly asked for seconds.

As we sat around the table, enjoying our meal and each other's company, I felt a sense of pride in my ability to take a new recipe and make it my own. The Mexican Manicotti may have been a surprise find in an old cookbook, but it had quickly become a family favorite.

In the years that followed, I would make Mexican Manicotti for special occasions and casual weeknight dinners alike. It became a go-to recipe in my repertoire, and I loved sharing it with friends and family who were always eager to taste my latest culinary creation.

Looking back now, I realize that finding that handwritten recipe was more than just a stroke of luck. It was a moment of inspiration that sparked my creativity and passion for cooking. I may have learned how to make Mexican Manicotti from a slip of paper, but it was the joy of sharing a delicious meal with the ones I love that truly made the recipe special.