Shotgun Shells Recipe

This shotgun shells recipe is the perfect dish for any meat lover! It features manicotti shells packed with savory ground beef, wrapped in bacon, and brushed with BBQ sauce before being baked to crispy perfection. It's a flavorful appetizer that everyone is sure to love!

Why You'll Love These Oven Baked Shotgun Shells

Crowd pleaser. These shotgun shells make for one of the most delicious appetizers. I've served them a number of times, and everyone makes a point to tell me how much they enjoyed them. Trust me, your friends and family will be hovering around the table until they're gone!

The combination is incredible. The ultra-crispy bacon around the tender manicotti shell makes for an addictive texture. Paired with the savory ground beef and barbecue sauce, these are straight-up addictive! 

Fit for any occasion. Whether you're having a cookout, hosting for friends or family, or need something to bring to a gathering, this shotgun shells recipe is the perfect thing to make! 

They're easy to make. Smoked shotgun shells are what's commonly made, but this recipe is made in the oven, so you don't need a smoker or a grill!

Ingredients Needed

• Ground beef- I always use lean ground beef that has an 85/15 split.
• Garlic clove- minced for a savory flavor.
• Italian seasoning mix- I think this has the perfect blend of seasonings, but feel free to use anything you want.  
• Onion- I used a white onion. Chop it up before you get started.
• Manicotti shells- these are the best pasta tubes to use for this recipe.
• Bacon- the crispy thick slices wrapped around the noodles are what make this recipe downright addictive.
• BBQ sauce- your favorite kind!

How To Make Baked Shotgun Shells 

Step 1: Cook the noodles. Cook the manicotti noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water for about 4 minutes. You want them to be barely cooked since they'll cook more in the oven.

Step 2: Cook the ground beef. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180ºC). In an iron skillet or non-stick skillet, brown the beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once it's browned on all sides, drain the excess grease.

Step 3: Add the flavor. Add the garlic, onion, and spices to the skillet with the ground beef. Mix and cook for 5 more minutes.

Step 4: Stuff the noodles. Fill each manicotti shell with the meat mixture and then roll them with the bacon slices. Arrange the assembled shells in a greased baking dish.

Step 5: Bake and serve. Bake the shells for 20 minutes or until the bacon is golden and crispy. Take them out of the oven and brush them immediately with the BBQ sauce. Cook for 10 more minutes to caramelize the BBQ sauce. Then serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips To Make The Best Recipe

• Don't boil the noodles too long. You don't want them to get soft, or they'll be too hard to stuff. About 4 minutes should be enough, so they get slightly soft and don't crack.
• Be super gentle when stuffing the shells to keep them intact. I like to use a spoon to scoop the filling and then push it into the shell with the end of the spoon. You can also use chopsticks or just your fingers. 
• Use thick-cut bacon to make it easier to wrap around the shell.
• Combine shredded mozzarella cheese or shredded cheddar cheese with the beef mixture for a delicious cheesy element.
• Eat the shells with this cajun corn on the cob for the best meal ever.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

In the fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.

In the freezer: If you want them to last longer, I like to store them in the freezer. Let them cool to room temperature, wrap them in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or freezer-safe container.

Reheating: My favorite way to reheat leftovers is in the oven. Place them in a baking dish, brush them with some more BBQ sauce, and bake them at 350°F for about 15 minutes. 

More Recipes

• Bacon Wrapped Armadillo Eggs
• BBQ Fried Ribs
• Beer Battered Shrimp
• Crab Stuffed Shrimp
• One Pan Cheesy Meatball Casserole