Shotgun Shells Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a recipe that’s fun, flavorful, and perfect for entertaining, look no further than shotgun shells! This dish combines the hearty appeal of pasta, the gooey goodness of cheese, and the smoky delight of bacon into one irresistible package. Whether it’s game day, a family gathering, or a casual dinner, shotgun shells will surely be a hit. In this article, we’ll dive into the history of this creative recipe, guide you through making it step by step, and share similar recipes you’ll love.

A Brief History of the Shotgun Shells Recipe:

The shotgun shells recipe is a relatively modern culinary creation inspired by the growing popularity of stuffed pasta dishes. Its playful name comes from the pasta’s tubular shape, resembling shotgun shells, and its unique preparation method, where they’re stuffed, wrapped in bacon, and baked or smoked. While its exact origin is unclear, the recipe gained fame in backyard barbecue circles and online food communities for its bold flavors and eye-catching presentation.

Shotgun Shells Recipe

Pinklady

The shotgun shells recipe is a relatively modern culinary creation inspired by the growing popularity of stuffed pasta dishes. Its playful name comes from the pasta’s tubular shape, resembling shotgun shells, and its unique preparation method, where they’re stuffed, wrapped in bacon, and baked or smoked.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Course Side Dish

Servings 4

Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Mixing bowl
• Baking dish or smoker
• Aluminum foil
• Tongs
• Basting brush

Ingredients

  

• 8 large manicotti pasta shells
• 1 pound ground beef or pork sausage
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons barbecue seasoning
• 16 slices of bacon
• 1 cup barbecue sauce

See also  Ultimate Rib Rub Recipe

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Pasta

  Cook the manicotti shells until they are slightly softened but still firm (al dente). This typically takes about 5 minutes. Drain the shells and let them cool.
• Make the Filling

  In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, and barbecue seasoning. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
• Stuff the Shells

  Using a small spoon or your hands, gently stuff each manicotti shell with the meat and cheese mixture. Be careful not to overfill, as the shells may tear.
• Wrap in Bacon

  Take two slices of bacon per shell and wrap them around each stuffed pasta shell, ensuring the bacon overlaps slightly to secure it.
• Arrange in a Baking Dish

  Place the wrapped shells seam-side down in a baking dish or on a smoker-safe tray. Make sure they are spaced slightly apart.
• Cook the Shotgun Shells

  Oven method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Then, remove the foil, brush the shells with barbecue sauce, and bake for another 15 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.
• Smoker method: Preheat your smoker to 250°F (120°C). Smoke the shells for 1 hour, basting with barbecue sauce during the last 15 minutes.
• Serve and Enjoy

  Let the shotgun shells rest for a few minutes after cooking. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a fresh salad.

Video

Keyword Shotgun Shells Recipe

Similar Recipes You’ll Love:

Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers: Spicy peppers filled with cheese and wrapped in bacon.

Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs: Juicy meatballs enveloped in crispy bacon.

Cheesy Stuffed Shells: Traditional pasta shells filled with ricotta and topped with marinara.

Smoked Armadillo Eggs: A barbecue favorite made with jalapeños stuffed with cheese and sausage.

Loaded Potato Skins: Crispy potato shells filled with cheese, bacon, and green onions.

FAQs Frequently Asked Questions About Shotgun Shells Recipe:

1. Can I prepare shotgun shells ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the shells a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and bake or smoke them when ready.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

While manicotti works best, you can try using large cannelloni tubes.

3. What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

A combination of cheddar and mozzarella adds a great balance of flavor and gooeyness.

4. Can I make this recipe without bacon?

Yes, but the bacon adds flavor and helps hold the shells together. Use turkey bacon or skip it entirely if needed.

5. Can I use ground chicken or turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey works well as a leaner option.

6. How do I prevent the pasta shells from tearing?

Cook the shells al dente and handle them gently when stuffing.

7. Can I freeze shotgun shells?

Yes. Assemble the shells, wrap them in foil, and freeze them. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra cooking time.

8. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to retain their texture.

9. Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes, cook them at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

10. What dipping sauces go well with shotgun shells?

Ranch, barbecue sauce, or spicy aioli pair perfectly with this dish.

Conclusion:

Shotgun shells are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining hearty, smoky, and cheesy flavors into one unforgettable dish. Whether baked in the oven or smoked to perfection, they’re a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Try this recipe today and watch it become a favorite in your household!

YouTube Video credits:
Ash Kickin’ BBQ