Mexican Manicotti
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Microwave Time: 31 to 37 minutes
1 pound ground turkey
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 can refried beans
1/2 tablespoon cumin
1/2 tablespoon paprika
1 8-ounce package manicotti shells, uncooked
1 cup water
1 3/4 cups salsa
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 chopped green onions
1/4 cup black olives, sliced
Crumble and separate the ground beef, and place in a microwave-safe bowl with the chili powder and onion. Cook on high for 6 ½ to 9 minutes until the meat is completely browned (Stirring at about 4 and 6 minutes to make sure the meat cooks evenly). Drain the grease. Mix the refried beans, cumin and paprika into the cooked ground beef.
Grease a microwave-safe baking dish. Fill the uncooked pasta shells with the ground beef mixture, and place the shells into the baking dish. Mix together 1 cup water with the salsa, and pour the mixture over the manicotti. Loosely cover the dish with microwave-safe plastic wrap, and microwave on high for 10 minutes. Remove from the microwave, and very slowly pull back the plastic wrap (BE CAREFUL! Avoid steam burns!). Turn the shells over, replace the plastic wrap, and return to the microwave for 15 minutes, until manicotti is fully cooked, and most of the liquid from the salsa/water has been absorbed.
Remove from microwave, again being cautious when removing the plastic wrap. Cover with cheese, and let sit for about 3 minutes until cheese melts on top (if necessary return to microwave for 1 to 2 minutes).
Top the manicotti with sour cream, green onions, and black olives – enjoy!
