Description
Smoked Shotgun Shells are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, perfect for game days or any festive gathering. This unique recipe features tender manicotti shells stuffed with a flavorful blend of ground beef, Italian sausage, and cheese, all wrapped in crispy bacon and infused with smoky barbecue goodness. Easy to prepare and impressive to serve, these delightful bites will have your guests raving about their bold flavors and stunning presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- 1 jalapeno (finely diced)
- 2 packages bacon (16 ounces each)
- Slap Ya Mama seasoning
- garlic powder
- black pepper
- red pepper flakes
- barbecue sauce (for basting)
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 250°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, diced onion, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, jalapeno, and seasonings; mix until well combined.
- Stuff each uncooked manicotti shell from both ends until slightly overflowing.
- Wrap each stuffed shell in bacon slices and secure the ends.
- Baste with barbecue sauce and place on a baking sheet.
- Smoke the shells for about 60 minutes on one side; flip them over, baste again with barbecue sauce, and smoke for an additional hour until bacon is crispy.
- Serve immediately while hot.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shotgun shell (approx. 85g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 70mg