Best Smoked Shotgun Shells Recipe

When you hear someone say “shotgun shells”, probably the first you think about is not food. But that’s all about to change, because with this recipe we are about to turn up the heat a cook a delicious treat called “smoked shotgun shells”. Don’t worry we are not suggesting to munch on ammunition.

What Are Smoked Shotgun Shells

Imagine bite-sized pieces that look like a shotgun shell, but instead of gunpowder and metal, they’re filled with different mouth-watering fillings and then slowly smoked to perfection on a barbecue. Often filled with anything from seasoned ground meat, melted cheese, to sweet fillings for a dessert variation.

The Origin

Barbecue is a culinary art that dates back centuries, has seen countless innovations. Among these is the introduction of the Smoked Shotgun Shells. The name is inspired by its resemblance to actual shotgun shells, as a testament to the creativity of BBQ enthusiasts. This dish, while modern, carries the legacy and tradition of BBQ, making it a favorite at parties, BBQ joints, and family gatherings.

Smoking is not just a cooking method; it’s a science. The slow cooking process breaks down the collagen in meats, making them tender. Different woods like hickory, oak, or applewood can change the flavor profile of the dish.

Why You Should Try Them

Beyond the way they look, smoked shotgun shells offer a delicious smoky flavor that’s hard to resist. The exterior goes through a smoking process, that makes sure it becomes nice and crispy and with every bite it gives way to a soft, flavorful interior. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue party or want to surprise guests at a dinner event, this recipe will be the conversation of the evening.

How to Make Smoked Shotgun Shells

Ingredients Breakdown (Per Serving)

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a pivotal role, and here’s what you’ll need for each serving:

• Ground Beef: 0.1 lb (about 1.6 ounces or 45 grams)
• Monterey Jack Cheese: 0.1 cup (shredded)
• BBQ Brisket Rub: 0.2 tbsp. (For this recipe, we recommend using the PS Seasoning Texas BBQ Rodeo Rub, which is intended for brisket. However, feel free to explore other great recipes for rubs.)
• Manicotti Shells: 1 shell
• Bacon: 2 slices
• BBQ Sauce: 0.05 cup (about 1 tbsp). (We used the PS Seasoning Bourbon Barrel whiskey BBQ sauce for this recipe. It’s a tangy sauce infused with barrel-aged bourbon and molasses. If you prefer, there are also various homemade BBQ sauces you can try)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 250 kcal
Total Fat: 15gTotal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 12g

Please note: This nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used. Always consult with a nutritionist or use a nutritional calculator for more precise information.

Preparing for the Cooking Process

Before diving into the actual cooking, proper preparation is crucial:

1. Ingredient Check: Ensure you have all the ingredients in the required quantities.
2. Equipment Check: Ensure your smoker is clean and functioning correctly.
3. Preparation Area: Clean and sanitize your kitchen counters.
4. Ingredient Prep: Measure out the ingredients as per the recipe.
5. Safety First: Ensure you have oven mitts and any other safety equipment needed.

Step-by-Step Shotgun Shell Recipe

Creating the perfect Smoked Shotgun Shells requires patience, love, and the right technique

1. Mixing

In a spacious bowl, blend together the ground beef, cheese, and 1½ tablespoons of the BBQ rub until the mixture is uniform. The hands-on approach ensures a thorough mix, but feel free to use kitchen gloves for hygiene.

2. Stuffing

Spread out your manicotti shells on a clean surface. Carefully fill each shell with the beef and cheese blend, ensuring they’re generously packed but not overflowing.

3. Wrapping

Gently wrap each stuffed shell with two slices of bacon, ensuring they’re snug. Once wrapped, give them a gentle sprinkle with the remaining BBQ rub for that extra flavor punch.

4. Resting

Place the wrapped shells in a container and let them chill in the fridge. This 4-6 hour resting period allows the flavors to meld and the rub to set in.

5. Smoking

Fire up your smoker, aiming for a steady temperature of 250°F. Once ready, lay out the shotgun shells on a jerky tray or wire rack, ensuring they’re spaced out for even smoking. Let them enjoy this smoky bath for 1½ hours, absorbing all those rich flavors.

6. Crisping

To achieve that irresistible crispy bacon texture, ramp up the smoker’s temperature to 350°F. Allow the shells to cook for an additional 10 minutes.

7. Glazing

With a basting brush, gently coat each shell with your chosen BBQ sauce. This not only adds a tangy kick but also gives them a glossy finish. Let them cook for a final 10 minutes.

8. Serving

Present them hot, straight from the smoker, accompanied by some extra BBQ sauce on the side. Whether it’s a backyard gathering or a family dinner, these smoked shotgun shells are bound to be the star of the show!

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment and try different variations till you find the one you like the most. Here are a couple of suggestions to try and add:

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
• Cheese Varieties: Try pepper jack or cheddar.
• Meat Choices: Turkey bacon or sausage meat can be used.

Pairing Suggestions That Go Well With Smoking Shotgun Shells

Drinks

• Cold Craft Beer – A cold craft beer can be an excellent choice. especially if you choose flavors with caramel, citrus, or bitter notes. This will blend beautifully with the smokey flavours of the shotgun shells. IPAs and amber ales can be especially tasty.
• Red Wine – These wines have the strength and texture to withstand the smokiness and richness of the dish, making sure each bite and sip is a match made in heaven.

Sides

• Grilled Asparagus – To add green on your plate, grilled asparagus is an ideal side. Its earthy flavors and slight crunch provide a great combination with the soft, smoky fillings of the shotgun shells. A drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of sea salt, and perhaps a shaving of parmesan cheese can make this side dish perfect.
• Tangy Coleslaw – A refreshing coleslaw, bursting with crisp cabbage and carrots, dressed in a tangy and slightly sweet sauce, can be the perfect palate cleanser. Its coolness and crunch can balance out the warmth and richness of the shotgun shells, creating a perfect blend of textures and flavors in every bite.

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