Ingredients

• 6 manicotti shells, cooked only until firm-tender
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped, optional
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (rubbed between fingers to release the flavor)
• 1 teaspoon crushed chili flakes (or adjust to suit heat level)
• salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 to 1 package taco seasoning mix (or can use 2 tablespoons chili powder and 2 teaspoons ground cumin, or to taste)
• 3/4 cup prepared salsa (medium heat or spicy)
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• taco sauce (use as much as you like)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (can use more)

Instructions:————————————-

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Grease an 11 x 7-inch baking dish.
3. In a heavy skillet brown the ground beef until no longer pink; drain fat.
4. Add in onions, bell pepper, jalapeno pepper, garlic, oregano and chili flakes; cook until the beef is browned (this may take about 10-12 minutes for beef to brown).
   
5. Add in the taco seasoning mix OR chili powder and ground cumin, then stir in the salsa.
6. Season with salt and pepper and continue to cook over medium-low heat stirring for about 6 minutes.
7. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream.
8. Stuff the cooked manicotti shells with the meat mixture.
9. Arrange the shells in the baking dish.
10. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the shells, then lightly drizzle the taco sauce over the cheese.
    
11. Cover tightly with foil and bake 20 minutes.
12. Uncover and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup grated cheddar cheese over the top and return to oven uncovered for another 5-7 minutes.