Taco Manicotti and Homemade Picante Sauce

Ever crave Mexican food and pasta at the same time?  This is one way to satisfy that craving.  Easy to make plus you have extra Picante sauce for more meals later on.

Taco Manicotti

8 manicotti shells, cooked, drained and cooled
1/2# extra lean ground beef
2 tbsp onions, minced
1 1/2 tbsp taco seasoning
1/3 cup water
4 oz cream cheese
1 cup Mexican cheese

Brown ground beef with onions.  Stir in taco seasoning, water and cream cheese and allow to cool.  Stuff cooled manicotti with ground beef and cheese mixture.  Place in a greased baking dish.  Spoon picante sauce (recipe below) over shells and top with Mexican cheese.  Bake for 30 minutes at 325°.


Picante Sauce

1 - 15 oz can tomato sauce
15 oz water
1/4 cup onion, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 jalapeno pepper, minced
1/2 tsp salt

Put all the ingredients in a medium saucepan and allow to simmer for an hour.  Store extra in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.


Taco Seasoning

1 tbsp chili powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1 1/4 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp parsley
1/4 tsp  oregano
1 tsp pepper, freshly ground
1/2 tsp salt

Place in a sealable plastic bag or container that's airtight and mix well