Welcome to our mouthwatering Oven Baked Shotgun Shells recipe! Are you in search of an irresistibly delicious appetizer perfect for any event or special celebration? Look no further! Our unique combination of ground beef, sausage, cheese and zesty spices combined into manicotti shells wrapped with bacon before baking will have your tastebuds singing with delight.
What are Shotgun Shells?
If the name “Shotgun Shells” has you intrigued, you’re in for a delightful surprise! These delicious bites are always a crowd pleaser at gatherings and special events, providing not only conversation starters but also delicious delights that keep people coming back for more. Perfect for parties, game days, or whenever you crave a delightful appetizer.

Ingredients
Gather these simple and readily available ingredients from your local grocery store to create this tantalizing dish:
- Manicotti noodles
- Ground beef
- Hot Italian sausage
- Onion
- Colby jack cheddar cheese
- Cream cheese
- Jalapeno
- Slap Ya Mama seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Bacon
- Barbecue sauce
How to Make Oven Baked Shotgun Shells Recipe
This recipe is a breeze to make, and you’ll be amazed by the delightful outcome. Follow these simple steps to create these irresistible bacon wrapped bites:
Step 1: Prep
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees, and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and placing a wire rack atop. Set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Filling
Combine all ingredients, except for bacon and extra barbecue sauce, in a bowl. Mix thoroughly.
Step 3: Stuff the Shells
Gently stuff the manicotti shells with filling from both ends, ensuring there are no air pockets.
Step 4: Wrap
Wrap bacon around each stuffed shell, covering all parts, including ends. You might need two slices of bacon.
Step 5: Bake
Brush extra barbecue sauce over both sides of stuffed, bacon-wrapped shells. Place them on a prepared baking rack and bake for 60 minutes. Then, flip shells, add more barbecue sauce, and bake for another 60-70 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Our Oven Baked Shotgun Shells recipe offers several fantastic benefits:
- It’s a hearty, delicious appetizer that disappears quickly at any gathering.
- Oven baked, making it accessible for those without a smoker.
- The combination of flavors – from ground beef, sausage, cheese, and bacon – is a taste sensation.
Shotgun Shells Recipe Tips
- No need to boil the manicotti noodles; moisture from filling and bacon is enough to cook them.
- It’s easier to stuff a manicotti when noodles are not cooked.
- Be gentle when stuffing to avoid cracking noodles.
- If desired, you can boil shells for 2-3 minutes before stuffing.
Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe to your preferences:
- For a milder version, use mild Italian sausage and omit the diced jalapenos.
- Choose your favorite brand and variety of bacon and barbecue sauce.
- Experiment with different cheeses, like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack.
What to Serve With Oven Baked Shotgun Shells Recipe
These appetizers complement a wide range of dishes. Pair them with your favorite party foods or enjoy them with sauces like:
- Pigs in a blanket
- Baked beans
- Barbecue
- Pizza
- Burgers
- Hot dogs
- BBQ sauce
- Buffalo sauce
- Ranch dressing
Try this Delicious Recipe Today
Our Oven Baked Shotgun Shells recipe is not only easy to make but incredibly delicious. These shotgun shells make the ideal treat for game night, movie night or potluck events of all kinds – once you give them a try you will become hooked!
More Delicious Appetizer Recipes

Enhance your culinary repertoire with these tasty appetizer recipes:
Jalapeno Cheese Bites:
A scrumptious and cheesy appetizer that’s crispy on the outside, perfectly seasoned, and fried to golden perfection.
Coconut Fried Shrimp:
Crispy, crunchy, and full of flavor a restaurant-style coconut shrimp recipe that’s always a hit.
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sliders:
These sliders feature tender shredded chicken, barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, honey, and a delightful pineapple slaw topping.
Smoked Shotgun Shells Recipe for 2024:
If you have a smoker, check out our other blog, Great Grub, Delicious Treats, for a smoked version of this mouthwatering dish.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into this Oven Baked Shotgun Shells recipe today, and delight your friends and family with a truly unforgettable appetizer experience.
Looking for more delicious and protein-packed meal ideas? Check out our article on 9 Bariatric Recipes High in Protein for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner for a variety of tasty and nutritious options. Whether you’re searching for a satisfying breakfast, a hearty lunch, or a flavorful dinner, these recipes are designed to keep you feeling full and energized throughout the day.