Mexican Manicotti

Mexican Manicotti

Prep Time: 30 minutes. Start to Finish: 1 hour and 20 minutes. Serves 4

Ingredients:

12 uncooked manicotti pasta shells

1 lb ground beef

1 6oz can tomato paste

1 package taco seasoning mix

1 3oz package cream cheese, softened

1 egg

1 ½ cups sour cream

2 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 can 8oz, while green chiles, drained, chopped

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions:

Heat oven to 350 degrees; Spray 13x9 (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray

Cook and drain pasta as directed on package; rinse with cold water; drain well

In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 5-7 minutes until thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in tomato paste, taco seasoning mix and 1 ½ cups water. Cook over medium heat 5 to 10 minutes until hot and bubbly

Mix cream cheese, egg, sour cream, 1 ½ cups of the cheese, the chiles and 2 tablespoons of the cilantro; Spoon about 3 ½ tablespoons cheese mixture into each pasta shell. Spoon about 1 cup beef mixture into baking dish; top with filled shells and remaining beef mixture

Cover; bake 40 to 45 minutes or until hot. Uncover; sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheese over shells. Bake 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons cilantro