Microwave Mexican Manicotti

Put a bold twist on classic comfort food with this Microwave Mexican Manicotti, a quick and flavorful dinner perfect for busy weeknights. This inventive dish swaps traditional marinara for zesty taco-seasoned ground beef and tangy salsa, giving traditional manicotti a vibrant Tex-Mex makeover. Stuffed with seasoned meat and cooked entirely in the microwave, the uncooked pasta shells are transformed into tender, cheese-covered perfection in under 30 minutes. Topped with a melty blend of Mexican cheeses, fresh green onions, and optional cilantro, and served with a dollop of sour cream, this easy recipe is a family-friendly crowd-pleaser. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this dish is the ultimate solution for those seeking speedy yet satisfying microwave dinners.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 pieces Manicotti shells
• 1 pound Ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 packet Taco seasoning
• 2 cups Salsa
• 2 cups Shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 cup Chopped green onions
• 1 cup Sour cream
• 1.5 cups Water
• 0.25 cup Chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a microwave-safe bowl, crumble the ground beef (or turkey) and cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Microwave on HIGH for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through, until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2

Add taco seasoning to the cooked meat and stir to combine. Set aside and let it cool slightly.

Step 3

Stuff the uncooked manicotti shells with the seasoned meat mixture. Use a small spoon or your fingers to carefully fill each shell without breaking them.

Step 4

In a large microwave-safe baking dish, spread 1 cup of salsa on the bottom of the dish.

Step 5

Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells in a single layer over the salsa.

Step 6

Pour the remaining 1 cup of salsa evenly over the stuffed shells. Add 1.5 cups of water to the dish to ensure the shells cook properly.

Step 7

Cover the dish tightly with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a lid to trap steam. Microwave on HIGH for 20-25 minutes, checking every 8-10 minutes to ensure the shells are softening and absorbing the liquid. Rotate the dish if your microwave doesn’t rotate automatically.

Step 8

Carefully remove the cover (caution: hot steam!) and sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the manicotti.

Step 9

Re-cover the dish and microwave for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 10

Let the dish sit for 5 minutes to set before serving.

Step 11

Garnish with chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, and optional chopped cilantro before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2850.1 grams (2850.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5580

Total Fat 302.20g	387%
Saturated Fat 155.10g	776%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.40g
Cholesterol 991mg	330%
Sodium 11704mg	509%
Total Carbohydrate 454.80g	165%
Dietary Fiber 34.60g	124%
Total Sugars 50.60g
Protein 278.10g	556%

Vitamin D 103IU	513%
Calcium 4269mg	328%
Iron 29mg	161%
Potassium 4219mg	90%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.1%

Protein: 19.7%

Carbs: 32.2%