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Smoked Shotgun Shells

Irresistible Smoked Shotgun Shells for Epic Flavor Adventures

Smoked Shotgun Shells are a flavor-packed appetizer featuring savory beef and cheese wrapped in crispy bacon.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 6 shells
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Shells
  • 12 pieces manicotti shells no pre-cooking required
For the Filling
  • 1 pound ground beef can substitute with ground turkey
  • ½ pound hot Italian sausage switch to mild sausage for less heat
  • 1 medium onion can use shallots for a milder taste
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese use mild cheddar for a gentler flavor
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 medium jalapeño can swap with bell pepper for no spice
  • 2 tablespoons Slap Ya Mama seasoning or use Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder fresh minced garlic can be used
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper white pepper can be an option
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes omit for non-spicy
  • ½ cup barbecue sauce homemade or store-bought
For the Wrap
  • 12 slices bacon can use turkey bacon

Equipment

  • smoker

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your smoker to 250°F with wood chips.
  2. Combine ground beef, sausage, onion, jalapeño, cheddar, cream cheese, seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
  3. Stuff the manicotti shells with the filling using a piping bag or spoon.
  4. Wrap each stuffed shell in bacon, brushing the tops with barbecue sauce.
  5. Smoke the shells for 60 minutes, flip, and smoke for another 60 minutes until crispy.
  6. Let the shells rest for 5 minutes before serving warm with extra barbecue sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1shellCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

These smoked shotgun shells can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to smoke.

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