Fried Lasagna Bites
This recipe brings together savory Italian flavors in crispy and delicious manicotti bites. The combination of sweet Italian sausage, ground beef, and aromatic spices creates a mouthwatering filling that is beautifully encased in crunchy shells. Each bite is bursting with gooey melted mozzarella and creamy cottage cheese, offering a satisfying contrast in textures. Dip these golden brown delights in a zesty tomato sauce with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes for a tantalizing appetizer or snack that will have everyone coming back for more.
— Constant Cookbook
Ingredients
- 14 to 16 manicotti shells
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus more for frying
- 1/2 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 white onion, diced (about 1/4 cup)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup chopped basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 2 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
- 1 pound shredded mozzarella
- 1 quart cottage cheese, strained
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups plain bread crumbs
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the pasta, cook for 6 minutes, then drain and spread out on a sheet pan to cool.
- Heat a large saute pan with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage, ground beef and onions; saute for 3 minutes. Add the Italian seasoning, basil and black pepper. Cook for about 8 more minutes, until the meat has browned. Stir in 1/2 cup of canned tomato sauce and cook until heated through. Set mixture aside to cool in a large bowl.
- Add the rest of the canned sauce into saute pan and stir in the red pepper flakes.
- Fold the mozzarella and cottage cheese and into the cooled meat mixture. Stuff each cannelloni shell with the meat mixture and then place the shells in the freezer for 5 minutes to firm up. When ready to fry, slice shells into thirds.
- Preheat oil to 350 degrees F.
- Place the flour, eggs and bread crumbs into separate bowls.
- Dredge the shells in the flour, then eggs, and then bread crumbs.
- Fry the bites until they are golden brown and crispy; about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels and serve with the spicy tomato sauce.
Cook Time
0H25M
Prep Time
PT0H10M
Yield
4 to 6 servings
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 of 6 servings
- Calories: 1053
- Fat Content: 42g
- Saturated Fat Content: 18g
- Carbohydrate Content: 103g
- Fiber Content: 6g
- Sugar Content: 11g
- Protein Content: 65g
- Cholesterol Content: 203mg
- Sodium Content: 1917mg
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