Description
Delicious and hearty Shotgun Shells—manicotti shells stuffed with a flavorful meat and cheese filling, wrapped in crispy bacon, and baked to perfection. A crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course with bold flavors and a caramelized exterior.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box manicotti shells (typically 14 shells)
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 14 slices of bacon
- 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce or marinara sauc
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess grease and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Step 2: Stuff the Manicotti Shells
- Carefully stuff each uncooked manicotti shell with the meat and cheese mixture. Use a piping bag or spoon for ease.
- Wrap each stuffed shell tightly with a slice of bacon, slightly overlapping the ends to secure.
Step 3: Bake the Shotgun Shells
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Arrange the wrapped shells on the rack, seam side down, and bake for 25 minutes.
- Brush each shell generously with barbecue sauce or marinara sauce.
- Increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until bacon is crispy and caramelized.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the shotgun shells rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling.
- Different Meats: Swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or chorizo.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with cheddar, provolone, or gouda.
- Sauce Choices: Try buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard.
- Smoker Option: Cook at 225°F for 1.5-2 hours for a smoky flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Keywords: shotgun shells recipe, bacon-wrapped pasta, stuffed manicotti, easy appetizers, baked pasta dish