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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Ignite the smoker to a steady 250°F, creating an ideal environment for infusing deep, smoky flavors into the bacon-wrapped pasta shells.
- Filling Creation: Blend ground meat, cheese, and seasonings in a large mixing bowl, working the ingredients until they form a harmonious, well-integrated mixture.
- 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.
- Sauce Application: Liberally coat the bacon-wrapped shells with tangy BBQ sauce, guaranteeing complete coverage for maximum flavor penetration.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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