Shotgun Shells

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Creating a delightful culinary experience, Shotgun Shells are a unique oven-baked dish that checks all the boxes for comfort food enthusiasts. Imagine pasta stuffed with a savory blend of meats and cheeses, wrapped lovingly in strips of crispy bacon. It’s no wonder people whip up this dish for family gatherings, game day celebrations, or just when craving something a little out of the ordinary. This recipe is not only a feast for the senses but also a surefire way to impress your guests or spice up a Sunday dinner.

Reasons to Give This Recipe a Try

What sets this recipe apart? Well, for starters, it combines familiar ingredients in unexpected ways, making it a standout dish that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. The combination of ground beef and hot Italian sausage offers a hearty punch, while the creamy cheeses and hint of jalapeño introduce an exciting flavor twist. Plus, it’s incredibly fun to make! Kids and adults alike will love the hands-on process of stuffing the manicotti shells and wrapping them up in bacon goodness.

"These Shotgun Shells are an absolute crowd-pleaser! My family couldn’t get enough of them, and the leftovers disappeared faster than I could put them away!" – A satisfied home cook

Preparing Shotgun Shells Recipe (Oven Baked)

Creating Shotgun Shells is straightforward and rewarding. It starts with preheating your oven and preparing your workspace, which makes the experience smooth and enjoyable. The process includes mixing the filling, carefully stuffing the shells, and then wrapping them up to bake until perfection. You’ll want to make sure you have enough time to let them bake to achieve that beautifully crispy bacon texture, which is truly the highlight of this dish.

What You’ll Need

Gather these key ingredients to make your Shotgun Shells come alive:

(2) 8-ounce boxes manicotti shells
1½ pounds ground beef
1 pound hot Italian sausage
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 cups colby jack cheddar cheese
6 ounces cream cheese
1 jalapeño, finely diced
2 teaspoons Slap Ya Mama seasoning
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons black pepper
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
(3) 12-ounce packages bacon
⅓ cup barbecue sauce (plus more for coating)

Substitution Tip: If you prefer a milder dish, you can replace the hot Italian sausage with sweet Italian sausage and adjust the jalapeño to taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Variety of shotgun shells in different gauges for hunting and sport shooting

Preheat: Set your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Set Up: Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet, ready for your shells.
Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, diced onion, cheeses, jalapeño, and seasonings. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
Stuff the Shells: Carefully stuff each uncooked manicotti shell from both ends, ensuring there are no air pockets.
Wrap in Bacon: Take strips of bacon and wrap them around each stuffed shell, covering the ends completely. You may need two pieces of bacon for each shell.
Sauce it Up: Brush additional barbecue sauce over both sides of the wrapped shells to enhance the flavor.
Bake: Place the shells on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 60 minutes. Flip the shells over, add more barbecue sauce, and bake for another 60-70 minutes until the bacon is crispy.
Serve and Enjoy: Once done, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly before digging in!

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Shotgun Shells make a fantastic main dish and pair beautifully with simple sides. Consider serving them with:

A fresh garden salad for a crunchy contrast
Creamy coleslaw to add a refreshing note
Garlic bread or crusty rolls for that delightful dipping experience

You can even set up a barbecue sauce bar with various sauces for a unique serving twist!

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

To maintain their deliciousness, allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, wrap individual pieces in foil and freeze them. They can last in the freezer for about 2-3 months.

Reheating Tips

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Avoid Overstuffing: It’s tempting to really pack the filling in, but leave some space to prevent any overflow during baking.
Bacon Coverage: Ensure that the bacon wraps snugly around the shells to get that perfect crispiness throughout.
Use Different Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends for various flavor profiles.

Creative Twists

There are plenty of ways to customize your Shotgun Shells:

Green Chile: Swap the jalapeño for diced green chiles for a different heat profile.
Different Meat: Use turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
Spice Levels: Adjust the garlic powder and red pepper flakes to control the heat according to your taste.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prep and cook?
The total time for prep and cooking can be around 2 to 2.5 hours, including baking time.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble them the day before, store them in the fridge, and bake them when you’re ready to serve.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, these packed delights freeze well. Just make sure to wrap them properly to avoid freezer burn.

With their delicious flavors and appealing presentation, Shotgun Shells are sure to be a delightful addition to your cooking repertoire. Enjoy the process and the savory rewards!