Facebook Instagram Youtube Tiktok
Taco Shotgun Shells Recipe

Table of Contents

Check Out What We Have In The Shop

Taco Shotgun Shells

Facebook
Pinterest
Reddit
Email
Play Video about Taco Shotgun Shells Recipe

In the ever-evolving landscape of culinary innovation, where creativity knows no bounds, comes a dish that blends the robust flavors of Mexican cuisine with the hearty essence of Italian fare, all while embracing the quintessential American love for smoked foods. This creation, known as “Taco Shotgun Shells,” is not just a meal; it’s an experience that promises to captivate the senses and ignite conversation at any gathering. At its core, this dish represents a fusion of traditions, ingredients, and cooking methods, culminating in a presentation that’s as visually striking as it is delicious.

“Taco Shotgun Shells” begin with manicotti, a staple of Italian cuisine, which serves as the foundation. These pasta tubes are ingeniously repurposed to house a filling of ground beef, meticulously seasoned with a blend of spices that pay homage to the vibrant and bold flavors of Mexican tacos. The fusion element extends further with the addition of bacon, a universally beloved ingredient known for adding depth and smokiness to any dish. Wrapped around the stuffed manicotti, the bacon not only infuses the shells with its rich flavor but also adds a crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender pasta and juicy, seasoned beef inside.

The final touch, smoking, elevates the “Taco Shotgun Shells” to new heights. By slow-cooking the bacon-wrapped shells in a smoker, the dish acquires a delicate smokiness that perfectly complements the spicy, savory filling. This cooking method, deeply rooted in American barbecue traditions, brings the dish together, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that are both familiar and entirely new.

“Taco Shotgun Shells” exemplify the joy of culinary exploration, showcasing how traditional boundaries can be crossed to create something truly innovative and exciting. Whether served at a casual family dinner or as the centerpiece of a festive gathering, this dish is a celebration of creativity, a testament to the endless possibilities that arise when we blend cultures, flavors, and techniques from around the world.

Ingredients for Taco Shotgun Shells

  • 1 lb of ground beef
  • 1 package of Manicotti shells
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeño, diced
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • Meat Church Fajita seasoning (to taste)
  • Kosher salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)
  • Bacon strips (enough to wrap each manicotti shell)
  • Hickory pellets (for smoking)
  • Homemade spicy avocado dip (for serving)
  • Sour cream (for serving)
  • Queso (for serving) 

Ingredients for Taco Shotgun Shells

  • 1 lb of ground beef
  • 1 package of Manicotti shells
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeño, diced
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • Meat Church Fajita seasoning (to taste)
  • Kosher salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)
  • Bacon strips (enough to wrap each manicotti shell)
  • Hickory pellets (for smoking)
  • Homemade spicy avocado dip (for serving)
  • Sour cream (for serving)
  • Queso (for serving) 

Preparing the Taco Shotgun Shells

  1. Parboil Manicotti Shells: Begin by gently boiling the manicotti shells until they are just al dente. Be careful not to overcook, as they will continue to cook in the smoker. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

  2. Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, sauté the minced garlic, diced onions, and diced jalapeños until they are soft and fragrant. This will take approximately 3-5 minutes over medium heat. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

  3. Season the Ground Beef: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with kosher salt, black pepper, Meat Church Fajita seasoning, and the sautéed vegetables. Mix thoroughly with your hands to ensure the seasonings and vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the beef.

  4. Stuff the Shells: Carefully stuff each parboiled manicotti shell with the seasoned ground beef mixture. Ensure the shells are filled evenly.

  5. Wrap with Bacon: Take a strip of bacon and wrap it around each stuffed manicotti shell. The bacon should be snug around the shell but not too tight. Add another dusting of Meat Church Fajita Seasoning to add extra flavor.

Smoking the Taco Shotgun Shells

  1. Preheat the Smoker: Preheat your smoker to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, using hickory pellets to fuel the smoke. Ensure the smoker is at the correct temperature before proceeding.

  2. Smoke the Shells: Place the bacon-wrapped manicotti shells directly on the smoker grates. Close the lid and smoke the shells until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure the ground beef is fully cooked and safe to eat, while also achieving a desirable smokiness and crispiness to the bacon.

  3. Serving: Once cooked, remove the taco shotgun shells from the smoker and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with homemade spicy avocado dip, sour cream, and queso for dipping.

Enjoy the rich blend of flavors and textures from the smoky, spicy, and savory elements of this unique and innovative dish.

As you conclude the preparation of your Taco Shotgun Shells, you’re not just finishing a recipe; you’re bringing to life a culinary masterpiece that bridges cultures and flavors in every bite. The smoky aroma wafting from the smoker is your first hint of the deliciousness to come, a promise of the complex flavors infused in each shell. The crispy bacon exterior gives way to the succulently seasoned beef, intertwined with the subtle heat of jalapeños and the aromatic sautéed onions and garlic, all encased in the tender bite of the manicotti shell.

Each bite offers a symphony of textures and flavors, from the smoky, crispy bacon to the tender, flavorful filling, all balanced by the creamy coolness of the spicy avocado dip, the tangy zest of sour cream, and the velvety richness of queso. The hickory smoke not only adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate by any other cooking method but also ties the dish’s diverse elements together in a cohesive, unforgettable culinary experience.

The Taco Shotgun Shells are more than just food; they’re a testament to the joy of creative cooking and the pleasure of sharing good food with loved ones. Whether for a special occasion, a weekend barbecue, or simply to spice up your meal routine, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy. Its blend of flavors and textures, combined with the hands-on joy of preparation, makes it not just good, but extraordinary. So gather your friends and family, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as delightful to eat as it is to present. The Taco Shotgun Shells aren’t just a meal; they’re an experience, one that’s sure to leave everyone asking for more.

Recent Recipes

Beef Short Ribs and Mashed Potatoes
Beef Short Ribs and Mashed Potatoes

Savor the succulent flavors of smoked beef short ribs paired with creamy mashed potatoes for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Meat Thermometer Comparison
Meat Thermometer Comparison

Elevate your cooking precision and flavors with the ultimate meat thermometer—choose between the meticulous Meater or the robust MeatStick today!

Corned Beef St Patricks Day
Corned Beef St Patricks Day

Elevate your St. Patrick’s Day feast with our Smoked Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe, where traditional flavors meet modern smoking techniques for a uniquely delicious celebration.

Get the Latest Recipe Ideas

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest smoked food ideas and updates.

Keep In Touch

TikTok Youtube Facebook-f Instagram Pinterest