Every time these rolls are served, my husband can't help but smile.

Baked stuffed shotgun shells, also known as bacon-wrapped manicotti shells, are a delightful fusion of Italian and American cuisines. This dish combines the comforting flavors of stuffed pasta with the irresistible crispiness of bacon. It's perfect for those looking to impress at a dinner party or simply wanting to indulge in a hearty meal. The origins of this dish are rooted in the creativity of home cooks who sought to elevate traditional stuffed pasta by adding a crispy, smoky twist. The result is a dish that's both visually stunning and incredibly satisfying.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, which helps to balance the richness of the bacon and cheese. A side of roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, also complements the flavors beautifully. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a crusty loaf of garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.

Servings: 4

8 manicotti shells
1 pound ground beef
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
16 slices of bacon
2 cups marinara sauce

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the manicotti shells according to package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes to ensure they are slightly undercooked. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the beef and cheese mixture.

Wrap each stuffed shell with two slices of bacon, ensuring the entire shell is covered.

Place the bacon-wrapped shells in a baking dish and pour the marinara sauce over the top.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sauce is bubbly.

Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

For a spicier version, add some red pepper flakes to the beef mixture or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone or fontina, for a unique flavor profile. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms and spinach. For a smoky flavor, try using smoked bacon or adding a dash of smoked paprika to the filling.