Fried Lasagna Bites

(Courtesy of Aaron McCargo Jr.)

Ingredients:
14-16 manicotti shells
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil, plus more for frying
1/2 lb. sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
1/2 lb. ground beef
1 white onion, diced (about 1/4 c.)
1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
1/4 c. chopped basil leaves
1 Tbsp. ground black pepper
2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce
1 Tbsp. red pepper flakes
1 lb. shredded mozzarella
1 qt. cottage cheese, strained
2 c. all-purpose flour
3 eggs, beaten
2 c. plain bread crumbs

Directions:
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 Tbsp. 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 c. 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 into the cooled meat mixture.  Stuff each cannelloni shell with the meat mixture 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.

Place the flour, eggs and bread crumbs in separate bowls.

Dredge the shells in the flour, then eggs and then bread crumbs.

Fry the bites until they are golden and crispy; about 4-5 minutes.  Drain on paper towel and serve with the spicy tomato sauce.