Oven-Baked Shotgun Shells

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Ingredients:

• 8 ounce box of manicotti shells

• 1/2 pound ground beef

• 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed

• 1/2 medium onion, finely diced

• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese

• 4 ounces cream cheese

• 1 jalapeno, finely diced

• 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce

• 16 ounce package of bacon

• Additional barbecue sauce for coating

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 300° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. Set aside.

3. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl, except bacon and extra barbecue sauce.

4. Gently stuff uncooked manicotti shells from both ends ensuring there are no air pockets. I found it easiest to pipe the meat into the shells.

5. Wrap one piece of bacon around each shell covering the length of the pasta.

6. Brush additional barbecue sauce over both sides and place on prepared baking.

7. Bake for 60 minutes, then flip shells over, add more barbecue sauce, and bake for another 60-70 minutes or until the bacon is nice and crispy.

8. Remove from the oven and enjoy.