Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef for juicy beef flavor and fat that keeps the filling tender
– 1/2 lb ground pork for slightly sweet porky depth and helps bind the mixture
– 8 oz cream cheese for creamy binder for the filling and keeps shells moist
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for cheesiness and melt without overpowering the meat
– 1 tbsp BBQ all-purpose seasoning for infusing the stuffing with smoky, savory spices
– Manicotti pasta shells for vessel for stuffing
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce for caramelizing and adding sweet-tangy glaze
– 1 package sliced bacon for wrapping each shell for smoke, fat, and crisp texture as it cooks
Instructions
1-In a large bowl combine 1 lb ground beef (80/20), 1/2 lb ground pork, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 8 oz cream cheese, and 1 tbsp BBQ all-purpose seasoning. Mix thoroughly by hand until evenly combined and smooth. The cheeses act as both binder and flavor, so mix until all components are well distributed.
2-Stuff the mixture into raw manicotti pasta shells by hand. Press firmly but carefully so the shells hold a generous amount of filling without splitting.
3-Wrap each stuffed shell with 1 slice of bacon from the package, add more BBQ seasoning to the outside if desired, and place on a wire rack. The rack lets hot air and smoke circulate, crisping the bacon evenly.
4-Preheat grill to 300°F for indirect heat. Place the wire rack with wrapped shells in the grill and cook for 1 hour, checking occasionally. The goal is for the pasta to soften and the filling to come up in temperature while the bacon renders slowly.
5-Brush with 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, cook 1-2 more minutes to caramelize, then remove and cool slightly before serving. Let shells rest 3 to 5 minutes so the filling firms enough to hold while enjoying.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🍝 Use raw manicotti shells to prevent ripping; optionally parboil 1-1.5 minutes, then cool before stuffing
🥓 Wrap tightly with bacon; exposed pasta is fine as it cooks fully during the grilling process
⏰ Prep shells ahead and refrigerate 4-24 hours for better texture and flavor development
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American BBQ
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 751 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 647 mg
- Fat: 61 g
- Saturated Fat: 28 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 201 mg