Description
Smoked shotgun shells pack a spicy, meaty punch with jalapeño-infused cream cheese and seasoned ground beef wrapped in crispy bacon. Grilled to smoky perfection, these appetizers deliver bold flavors that will have guests craving more at your next gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Smoked Shotgun Shells
Meat and Protein:
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 1 pound hot Italian sausage
- (2) 16 ounces (907 grams) packages bacon
Cheese and Dairy:
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
- 6 ounces (170 grams) cream cheese
Shells, Seasonings, and Additional Ingredients:
- (2) 8 ounces (227 grams) boxes manicotti shells
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced
- 2 teaspoons Slap Ya Mama seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ⅓ cup barbecue sauce, plus additional for coating
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker to a consistent 250°F, ensuring an even temperature for optimal cooking.
- Create a robust filling by thoroughly combining ground meat, cheese, and seasonings in a spacious mixing bowl, blending until the mixture reaches a uniform consistency.
- Carefully select pasta shells, gently filling each tube with the prepared mixture, using gentle pressure to eliminate any potential air gaps that might compromise the texture.
- Meticulously wrap each filled shell with bacon, creating a crisp exterior that will develop a beautiful caramelized coating during smoking.
- Generously brush the bacon-wrapped shells with tangy BBQ sauce, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
- Place the prepared shells in the smoker, allowing them to cook undisturbed for the first hour, developing a rich smoky essence.
- Carefully flip the shells midway through cooking, applying an additional layer of BBQ sauce to enhance moisture and intensify the flavor profile.
- Continue smoking for another hour until the bacon becomes perfectly crisp and the filling reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Remove from the smoker and let rest briefly, allowing the flavors to settle and the exterior to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Serve immediately, presenting these indulgent smoked delicacies as a show-stopping appetizer or main course.
Notes
- Stuffing shells tightly prevents filling from leaking during smoking process.
- Bacon wrapping adds crispy texture and extra flavor dimension to the dish.
- Rotate shells midway through smoking ensures even cooking and caramelization of BBQ sauce glaze.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1100 mg
- Fat: 48 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg