Irresistible Smoked Shotgun Shells Recipe You Must Try

There’s something undeniably captivating about Smoked Shotgun Shells. Imagine tender, juicy meat wrapped in crispy bacon, all infused with a smoky flavor that dances on your taste buds. The moment you bite into one of these delightful creations, the explosion of flavors and textures is enough to send you straight to BBQ heaven. For more inspiration, check out this lunch options recipe.

I still remember the first time I made Smoked Shotgun Shells for my friends at a backyard barbecue. The laughter, the chatter, and the unmistakable aroma wafting through the air created an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s a summer cookout or a cozy family gathering, these shells are bound to be the star of the show.

Making these delicious little bites has always been a hit with my friends and family; they can’t resist going back for seconds.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Large Pasta Shells: Opt for jumbo-sized shells; they hold all those flavorful fillings perfectly.

• Ground Meat: Choose your favorite—beef, pork, or even chicken work wonderfully in this recipe. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipe ideas recipe.

• Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for maximum crispiness and flavor; it wraps around the shells beautifully.

• Cheese (cream cheese and shredded cheese): Cream cheese makes for a creamy filling while shredded cheese adds that gooey texture.

• Spices (garlic powder, onion powder): Use these spices to enhance flavor without overwhelming your palate.

• BBQ Sauce: A good-quality BBQ sauce ties all the flavors together; choose one that suits your taste!

• Wood Chips (for smoking): Hickory or applewood chips work best for imparting that smoky goodness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Smoked Shotgun Shells

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by preheating your smoker to 250°F (121°C). While it heats up, gather all your ingredients for easy assembly.

Cook the Meat Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, brown your ground meat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat before adding garlic and onion powders for extra flavor.

Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine cooked meat with cream cheese and half of your shredded cheese until well blended. This mixture should be creamy but not runny.

Stuff the Pasta Shells: Carefully fill each pasta shell with your cheesy meat mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Don’t be shy—pack those shells tight!

Bacon-Wrap Time!: Wrap each stuffed shell tightly in bacon—about one slice per shell should do it. Secure with toothpicks if necessary; we want no escaping flavors here!

Add BBQ Sauce and Smoke Them Up!: Brush each wrapped shell with BBQ sauce and place them in your preheated smoker. Allow them to smoke for about 1 hour until the bacon is crispy and everything is heated through.

Now that you know how to make these delectable Smoked Shotgun Shells, get ready for an explosion of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by preparing your shotgun shells while your smoker heats up to 225°F. Stuff them, wrap in bacon, and smoke until the bacon crisps and cheese melts to perfection.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to switch up the cheese or meat used in the filling. Adding jalapeños or BBQ sauce can elevate the flavors, making each batch uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring they stay crispy.

The first time I made Smoked Shotgun Shells, my friends devoured them so fast that I barely got one! It was a memorable night filled with laughter and deliciousness.

FAQ

What can I use as a filling for Smoked Shotgun Shells?

You can use various fillings like cream cheese, seasoned ground meat, or vegetables.

How long does it take to smoke Smoked Shotgun Shells?

Typically, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours at 225°F for perfect results.

Can I freeze Smoked Shotgun Shells?

Yes, freeze them before cooking; just thaw and smoke when ready for a tasty treat!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Smoked Shotgun Shells

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6 (2 shells per serving) 1x

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Description

Smoked Shotgun Shells are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, featuring tender meat and creamy cheese wrapped in crispy bacon. Infused with a smoky flavor, these delectable bites are perfect for any gathering, whether it’s a summer cookout or a cozy family dinner. Easy to prepare and customizable with various fillings, these shells will have everyone coming back for seconds!

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Ingredients

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• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 lb ground beef (or preferred meat)
• 12 slices thick-cut bacon
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• Wood chips for smoking (hickory or applewood)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your smoker to 250°F (121°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat; drain excess fat and stir in garlic and onion powders.
3. Mix cooked meat with cream cheese and half of the shredded cheese until well blended.
4. Stuff each pasta shell tightly with the meat mixture.
5. Wrap each shell with one slice of bacon; secure with toothpicks if necessary.
6. Brush BBQ sauce over wrapped shells and place them in the smoker.
7. Smoke for about 1 hour until the bacon is crispy and heated through.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Smoking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 shell (90g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 60mg