Smoky Shotgun Shells: Irresistible Party Recipe You’ll Love

Smoking hot and packed with flavor, these mouthwatering smoked shotgun shells recipe deliver a spicy, cheesy explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Tender pasta shells cradle a rich mixture of ground beef and sausage, creating a hearty bite that’s impossible to resist.

Each shell gets wrapped in crispy bacon, then smoked to perfection with a tantalizing blend of spices.

The combination of smoky, meaty, and creamy elements creates an irresistible appetizer that stands out at any gathering.

Hearty and indulgent, these smoky treats bring a serious punch of flavor to your barbecue spread.

The secret is in the careful preparation and slow smoking that infuses every bite with incredible depth.

Get ready to become the grill master who serves up the most talked-about dish at the next cookout.

Cooking Tips for Smoked Shotgun Shells

• Smoky Bacon Hack: Choose thin-cut bacon for easier wrapping around manicotti shells, ensuring a perfect crispy exterior.
• Cheese Lover's Twist: Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack, sharp cheddar, or smoked gouda to add unique flavor profiles to the filling.
• Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat level and give the shells an extra kick.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the stuffed shells and wrap with bacon a day in advance, storing them in the refrigerator to save time on cooking day. This allows flavors to meld and makes day-of preparation a breeze.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional manicotti shells for gluten-free pasta shells or use large zucchini boats as a low-carb alternative that still delivers incredible smoky flavor.

Presentation Ideas for Smoked Shotgun Shells

• Flavor-Packed Party Platter: Arrange these smoky shells on a large wooden board with colorful garnishes like chopped parsley and sliced green onions. Create a stunning presentation that'll make guests want to dive right in.
• Dipping Sauce Heaven: Prepare a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, spicy aioli, or extra BBQ sauce to complement the rich bacon and meat flavors. Guests can mix and match their favorite condiments for a personalized taste experience.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve these shells as a hearty appetizer during sports events, tailgates, or casual gatherings. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy sharing and watch how quickly they disappear from the plate.
• Sides That Shine: Pair the smoky shells with creamy coleslaw, crisp corn on the cob, or a light mixed green salad to balance the rich, indulgent main dish. The contrasting textures and flavors will elevate the entire meal.

Storage Tips for Smoked Shotgun Shells

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover smoked shotgun shells in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to maintain crispiness and prevent moisture absorption.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm shells in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispy bacon and maintain juicy interior. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare filling and stuff shells up to 24 hours before smoking. Keep covered in refrigerator, wrapping bacon just before cooking to ensure maximum freshness and flavor.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap uncooked stuffed shells individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before smoking for best results.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 35 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes

Calories: 703 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients Required for Smoked Shotgun Shells

• Manicotti Shells: Sturdy tubes perfect for stuffing, choose fresh and unbroken shells for optimal filling and presentation.

• Ground Beef, Hot Italian Sausage: Rich meats providing robust, spicy foundation with deep savory notes and textural complexity.
• Onion: Aromatic base that adds sweetness and depth to the meat mixture.
• Jalapeño: Delivers vibrant heat and zesty kick to elevate overall flavor profile.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Delivers tangy, sharp flavor and helps create creamy, melty interior.
• Cream Cheese: Ensures smooth, luxurious texture and adds rich, velvety consistency to filling.
• Slap Ya Mama Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Powerful spice blend creating multilayered, bold taste experience.

• Barbecue Sauce: Provides sweet-tangy coating and moisture, enhancing overall smoky character of the dish.
• Bacon: Wraps shells for crispy exterior, infusing extra smoky, salty dimension to the recipe.

Tools to Make Smoked Shotgun Shells

• Smoker: Essential for creating that perfect smoky flavor at a steady 250°F.
• Large mixing bowl: Needed for combining all delicious filling ingredients.
• Meat thermometer: Helps ensure proper internal temperature for safe cooking.
• Tongs: Great for flipping shells and handling bacon-wrapped manicotti.
• Basting brush: Perfect for applying BBQ sauce evenly on the shells.
• Sharp knife: Useful for cutting bacon and preparing ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately portion ingredients for consistent results.

Step-by-Step Smoked Shotgun Shells Instructions

• Smoker Preparation

Set up your smoker and warm it to a cozy 250°F, creating the perfect environment for these delectable bacon-wrapped treats.

• Filling Creation

Blend ground meat with seasonings, crafting a mouthwatering mixture that will make taste buds dance with excitement.

• Shell Stuffing

Carefully fill pasta tubes with the savory mixture, ensuring each shell is packed completely without any empty spaces.

• Bacon Wrapping

Lovingly drape crispy bacon around each shell, creating a delicious outer layer that promises incredible flavor.

• Sauce and Smoke

Generously brush BBQ sauce over the wrapped shells and slide them into the smoker. Let them cook for an hour, then flip and add another layer of sauce. Continue smoking until they reach golden, crispy perfection.

• Serving

Pull these gorgeous shells from the smoker and watch as friends and family dive into these irresistible flavor bombs.

Crispy Smoked Shotgun Shells Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Smoking shotgun shells combine jalapeño poppers with sausage-stuffed pasta shells for a spicy, meaty barbecue treat. Hearty appetizers deliver explosive flavor that will satisfy hungry guests craving bold southwestern-style grilling pleasures.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1½ lbs ground beef
• 1 lb hot Italian sausage
• 2 x 16 oz (907 g) packages bacon
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
• 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese
• 2 x 8 oz (227 g) boxes manicotti shells
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 1 jalapeño, finely diced
• 2 tsps Slap Ya Mama seasoning
• 2 tsps garlic powder
• 2 tsps black pepper
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• ⅓ cup barbecue sauce, plus additional for coating

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Ignite the smoker to a steady 250°F, creating an ideal environment for infusing deep, smoky flavors into the bacon-wrapped pasta shells.
2. Filling Creation: Blend ground meat, cheese, and seasonings in a large mixing bowl, working the ingredients until they form a harmonious, well-integrated mixture.
3. Shell Stuffing and Wrapping: Carefully fill pasta shells with the prepared mixture, then encase each one in a bacon jacket, ensuring a snug wrap that will crisp beautifully during smoking.
4. Sauce Application: Liberally coat the bacon-wrapped shells with tangy BBQ sauce, guaranteeing complete coverage for maximum flavor penetration.
5. Smoking Process: Arrange the prepared shells in the smoker, allowing them to cook undisturbed for the first hour, developing a rich, smoky character and rendering the bacon.
6. Finishing Touches: Midway through cooking, rotate the shells and apply an additional layer of BBQ sauce. Continue smoking until the bacon reaches a perfect crisp and the internal temperature of the filling indicates doneness.
7. Resting and Serving: Remove from the smoker and let rest briefly, allowing flavors to meld and the exterior to achieve optimal crispiness. Serve immediately as an impressive appetizer or main course.

Notes

• Temperature Precision: Maintain a steady 250°F to ensure consistent cooking and optimal smoke absorption.
• Filling Technique: Mix ingredients thoroughly, avoiding lumps for a smooth, well-integrated flavor profile.
• Bacon Wrapping Tip: Wrap shells tightly to prevent uneven cooking and ensure complete flavor coverage.
• Sauce Application: Apply BBQ sauce generously and multiple times during smoking to create a rich, caramelized exterior and lock in moisture.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Smoking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 703
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1082 mg
• Fat: 54 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 32 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 144 mg