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Shotgun Shells

Savory Shotgun Shells: Easy Bacon-Wrapped Appetizers

These shotgun shells are savory, bacon-wrapped appetizers filled with a delicious mixture of beef and cheese.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 pieces
Course: APPETIZERS
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 pieces Manicotti Shells Can substitute with lasagna noodles or other pasta.
For the Filling
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Lean ground beef recommended.
  • 1 pound Hot Italian Sausage Mild sausage can be used for less heat.
  • 1 medium Onion Shallots or green onions are acceptable substitutes.
  • 1 cup Colby Jack Cheese Substitute with Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack.
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese Can replace with ricotta.
  • 1 medium Jalapeno Omit for a milder taste.
  • 1 tablespoon Slap Ya Mama Seasoning Any Cajun seasoning works.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can be used.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper White pepper can be used as an alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Can be omitted for no spice.
For the Wrap
  • 1 pound Bacon Turkey bacon may be used for a lighter version.
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup Barbecue Sauce Any BBQ sauce works.

Equipment

  • baking sheet
  • wire rack
  • large bowl

Method
 

Directions
  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and prepare a baking sheet with aluminum foil and a wire rack on top.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, hot Italian sausage, finely diced onion, Colby Jack cheese, cream cheese, jalapeno, and seasonings. Mix thoroughly.
  3. Stuff each uncooked manicotti shell from both ends, ensuring no air pockets and packing the filling in gently.
  4. Wrap each shell snugly with 1-2 slices of bacon, ensuring full coverage.
  5. Brush additional barbecue sauce over the bacon-wrapped shells and place them on the wire rack.
  6. Bake for 60 minutes, then flip the shells, add more barbecue sauce, and bake an additional 60-70 minutes until the bacon is crispy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Consider soaking manicotti shells in warm water for easier stuffing. Verify that the shells reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.

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