If you’re craving a hearty, indulgent pasta dish with a smoky twist, these Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Manicotti deliver big on flavor and texture.

Each manicotti shell is generously filled with a spicy blend of ground beef, Italian sausage, cheeses, and jalapeño, then wrapped in crispy bacon and coated with tangy barbecue sauce.

It’s the ultimate comfort food with a fun, finger-food flair.

Why I Love This Recipe

Rich and flavorful meat and cheese filling with a spicy kick

Crispy bacon wrap adds texture and smoky depth

Tangy barbecue sauce glaze balances the richness

Perfect for parties, game days, or casual family dinners

Can be prepped ahead and baked fresh

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Manicotti shells — Uncooked, ready to be stuffed and baked.

Ground beef and hot Italian sausage — Provide hearty, savory flavor.

Colby jack cheddar and cream cheese — Creamy, melty cheese blend.

Jalapeño and spices — Adds heat and bold seasoning.

Bacon — Wrapping the shells for crispy, smoky finish.

Barbecue sauce — For coating and glazing the cooked manicotti.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Stuff manicotti shells carefully from both ends to avoid air pockets.

Use wire rack on a foil-lined baking sheet to allow bacon to crisp evenly.

Brush barbecue sauce generously for a sticky, flavorful glaze.

Low and slow baking helps bacon crisp without drying the filling.

Flip halfway through baking to ensure even crisping and saucing.

How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Manicotti

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.

Step 2: Prepare Filling

In a large bowl, mix ground beef, Italian sausage, finely diced onion, shredded Colby jack cheddar, cream cheese, finely diced jalapeño, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.

Step 3: Stuff the Manicotti Shells

Gently stuff each uncooked manicotti shell from both ends with the filling, ensuring no air pockets.

Step 4: Wrap with Bacon

Wrap each stuffed shell with bacon slices, covering the ends well.

Use two bacon pieces if needed to cover fully.

Step 5: Apply Barbecue Sauce and Bake

Brush additional barbecue sauce over both sides of the bacon-wrapped shells.

Place them on the prepared wire rack.

Bake for 60 minutes.

Carefully flip the shells, brush more barbecue sauce on both sides, then bake for another 60–70 minutes until bacon is crispy and caramelized.

Step 6: Serve
Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy the blend of creamy filling, spicy heat, and crispy bacon!

What to Serve It With

Fresh green salad with tangy vinaigrette

Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans

Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic bread

Pickled jalapeños or mild peppers for added flavor contrast

Your favorite beer or bold red wine

Variations / Substitutions

Use mild Italian sausage or turkey sausage for less heat

Add chopped spinach or mushrooms to the filling for extra veggies

Substitute Colby jack cheddar with mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavor

Use smoked bacon for extra smoky depth

Swap barbecue sauce with spicy buffalo sauce for a tangy twist

Storage & Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the oven at low temperature to crisp bacon again.

Can be frozen before or after baking; thaw fully before reheating.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, stuff and wrap the manicotti in advance, keep refrigerated, and bake when ready.

What if I don’t have manicotti shells?
Use jumbo pasta shells as a substitute.

How do I prevent bacon from drying out?
Bake low and slow, and baste with barbecue sauce regularly.

Can I make this recipe less spicy?
Reduce or omit jalapeños and red pepper flakes.

Is this dish suitable for parties?
Absolutely! It’s perfect as a hearty appetizer or main dish for gatherings.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Replace meat with cooked lentils or plant-based sausage alternatives.

What’s the best barbecue sauce to use?
Use your favorite smoky or sweet BBQ sauce to complement the flavors.

Final Thoughts

These Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Manicotti bring together creamy, spicy filling and crispy, smoky bacon for a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress.

Easy to prepare and baked to perfection, they’re a guaranteed hit at any dinner table or party buffet.