Description
Smoked Shotgun Shells are a mouthwatering appetizer that brings together the savory goodness of ground beef and Italian sausage, all wrapped in crispy bacon. These delectable bites are perfect for game days, BBQs, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests. The smoking process infuses them with rich flavors, while the combination of cheese and spices adds an irresistible touch. Easy to prepare and highly customizable, these stuffed manicotti shells will become a favorite at your next event.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boxes (8 ounces each) manicotti shells
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 pound hot Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion (finely diced)
- 1 jalapeno (finely diced)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- 2 teaspoons Slap Ya Mama seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ⅓ cup barbecue sauce
- (2) 16-ounce packages bacon (might need more)
- Additional barbecue sauce for coating
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 250°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, diced onion and jalapeno, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and seasonings until well mixed.
- Stuff each uncooked manicotti shell from both ends with the meat mixture without leaving air pockets.
- Wrap each stuffed shell tightly with bacon slices; use two pieces if needed to cover completely.
- Brush barbecue sauce generously over both sides of the shells and place them on a baking sheet.
- Smoke the shells for 60 minutes; then flip them over, add more barbecue sauce, and smoke for another hour until the bacon is crispy.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shell (90g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 65mg