Fried Lasagna Bites

Name: Fried Lasagna Bites
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