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.
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
Instructions
- Prepare the PastaCook 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 FillingIn 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 ShellsUsing 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 BaconTake 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 DishPlace 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 ShellsOven 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 EnjoyLet the shotgun shells rest for a few minutes after cooking. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a fresh salad.