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Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Manicotti

Quick & Simple Meals
Stuffed manicotti filled with a spicy beef and sausage mix, wrapped in crispy bacon, brushed with barbecue sauce, and smoked low and slow until tender and flavorful. A bold BBQ mash-up of Italian comfort food and smoky Southern charm!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 630 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 8-ounce boxes manicotti shells
  • 1½ lb ground beef
  • 1 lb hot Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion finely diced
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
  • 6 oz cream cheese
  • 1 jalapeño finely diced
  • 2 tsp Slap Ya Mama seasoning
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • ⅓ cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 16-ounce packages bacon (might need more)
  • Additional barbecue sauce for coating

Instructions
 

  • Preheat smoker to 250°F.
  • Mix all filling ingredients (except bacon and extra sauce) in a large bowl.
  • Gently stuff uncooked shells from both ends, avoiding air pockets.
  • Wrap each shell with 1–2 bacon slices, brush with BBQ sauce; place on baking sheet.
  • Smoke 60 minutes; flip shells, baste, and smoke another 60 minutes until bacon is crispy.
  • Remove, rest 5–10 minutes, and serve hot.
  • See full steps with tips & photos → https://mischacrossing.com/smoked-bacon-wrapped-manicotti/

Notes

  • Don’t boil the manicotti shells—stuff them dry so they hold shape during smoking.
  • You can swap out cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack if you prefer.
  • Try using maple or hickory wood chips for a sweet-smoky balance.