Smoked Shotgun Shells Are The BBQ Flavor Explosion You Need In August

Smoked Shotgun Shells Finished

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Craving something new and exciting for your next tailgate? Try smoked shotgun shells for a flavor explosion! These bacon-wrapped delights are my go-to for impressing the crowd. Easy to prep the night before and cooked to perfection on a Traeger Timberline XL, these smoked treats are savory, smoky, and simply irresistible. Whether you’re at home or tailgating with your Traeger Ranger, smoked shotgun shells are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Get ready to wow your friends with this unconventional and delicious recipe!

Smoked Shotgun Shells Ingredients

Ingredients for Smoked Shotgun Shells

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Manicotti Shells: 1 package – Perfect for stuffing with meats.

Ground Beef: 1 lb of 80/20 (80% lean, 20% fat) – Balances health and taste.

Sage Pork Sausage: 1 lb – Adds a rich, herbaceous flavor.

Bacon: 1 package – Regular bacon is ideal for wrapping, with long, thin strips.

Smoked Q Rock’s Boom Boom Spice Blend: 1 tbsp – Enhances the filling with Montreal Steak seasoning-inspired flavors.

Smoked Q Rock’s Honey Chipotle Spice Blend: 2 tbsp – Adds a sweet and smoky flavor to the bacon.

Smoked Q Rock’s Bourbon BBQ Sauce: 2 tbsp – Ties the dish together with tangy, smoky, and sweet notes.

Instructions for making Smoked Shotgun Shells

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Unleash bold flavors with these instructions for making Smoked Shotgun Shells. Stuff pasta shells with a savory blend of meats and cheeses, wrap them in bacon, and smoke to perfection for a unique, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s sure to impress.

Smoked Shotgun Shells Mixing Meat

Mix Ground Meat

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Combine ground beef, sage sausage, and Boom Boom Spice Blend in a large bowl. Mix with your hands.

Smoked Shotgun Shells Stuffing Shells

Stuff the Shells

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Stuff the manicotti shells by hand. A piping bag isn’t necessary.

Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon Wrap

Wrap with Bacon

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Wrap each shell with bacon, covering as much as possible to prevent the pasta from staying hard.

Smoked Shotgun Shells Overnight in the fridge

Refrigerate Overnight

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Refrigerate the wrapped shells overnight to soften the pasta and let the bacon fat sink in.

smoker grill grate

Bring Smoker to Temp

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Preheat the smoker to 300ºF for slow cooking while keeping the bacon chewy yet crunchy.

Smoked Shotgun Shells Seasoning

Season and Smoke

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Place shells on baking racks, apply Honey Chipotle Spice Blend, and smoke for 45 minutes. Check the bacon for doneness.

Smoked Shotgun Shells BBQ Sauce

Apply Sauce and Set

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Baste with Bourbon BBQ Sauce and smoke for another 10-15 minutes.

Smoked Shotgun Shells Finished

Cut to Serve

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Rest for 5-10 minutes, then slice into thirds to serve. Enjoy!