Smoked Shotgun Shells Recipe

Smoked Shotgun Shells are a creative and delicious appetizer that combines the flavors of ground beef, Italian sausage, cheese, and spices all stuffed in manicotti shells, wrapped in bacon, and smoked to crispy perfection. This dish is sure to impress at your next gathering with its unique presentation and irresistible taste.

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Ingredients

• (2) 8-ounce boxes manicotti shells
• 1½ pounds ground beef
• 1 pound hot Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 6 ounces cream cheese
• 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 more for coating
• (2) 16-ounce packages bacon (might need more)

Instructions

Prep and Mix Filling

1. Preheat the Smoker:

• Preheat your smoker to 250°F.

1. Mix Ingredients:

• In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, diced onion, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, jalapeño, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and ⅓ cup of barbecue sauce. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients. Do not precook the meat or sausage.

Stuff and Wrap Shells

3. Stuff Manicotti Shells:

• Gently stuff the uncooked manicotti shells with the meat mixture from both ends, making sure to fill them without leaving any air pockets.

3. Wrap with Bacon:

• Wrap each stuffed shell with bacon, covering the ends to seal the filling inside. Depending on the size of the shells, you may need two slices of bacon per shell.

3. Baste with Barbecue Sauce:

• Brush each bacon-wrapped shell with additional barbecue sauce and place on a baking sheet. Repeat this process until all shells are prepared.

Smoke the Shells

6. First Smoking Phase:

• Place the prepared shells on the smoker. Smoke for 60 minutes.

6. Flip and Continue Smoking:

• After 60 minutes, flip the shells over, apply more barbecue sauce, and continue smoking for another 60 minutes or until the bacon is nicely crispy and the fillings are cooked through.

Serve

8. Serving:

• Remove the smoked shotgun shells from the smoker and let them cool slightly before serving. These are best enjoyed warm, with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

• Nutritional Values: Values provided are approximate. For precise nutritional information, calculate with the specific brands and quantities you use in the recipe.
• Variations: Feel free to tweak the types of cheese or seasonings to match your taste preferences. You can also substitute the jalapeño with milder peppers if you prefer less heat.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 288 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Protein: 13g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 44mg
• Sodium: 268mg
• Potassium: 208mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Vitamin A: 268IU
• Vitamin C: 1mg
• Calcium: 80mg
• Iron: 1mg

Conclusion

This Smoked Shotgun Shells recipe is a fun and flavorful way to start any meal or party. With their hearty filling and smoky flavor, they are sure to be a hit among guests looking for something unique and satisfying. Enjoy the process of making and sharing these delightful smoked treats!

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