Description
Sizzling Traeger cheesy Italian shells bring rustic Tuscany comfort to your backyard grill. Melted cheese, savory herbs, and smoky pasta create an irresistible dish that delivers pure culinary comfort and brings hearty Italian flavors home.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 pounds (0.91 kilograms) lean ground beef
Seasonings for Meat:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce and Pasta Components:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (28-ounce/794 grams) can tomato sauce
- 5 cups (1.18 liters) beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 pound (0.45 kilograms) pasta shells
- ½ cup (118 milliliters) heavy cream
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Ignite the Traeger pellet grill to a steady 300F (150C), allowing it to warm thoroughly and create an ideal smoking environment.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, blend ground beef with aromatic seasonings. Craft a substantial meatball, positioning it on a wire rack for a 30-minute smoke infusion on the preheated grill.
- Meanwhile, activate a Dutch oven over medium flame. Drizzle olive oil and sauté diced onions until translucent, then introduce minced garlic. Pour in tomato sauce, beef broth, and complementary spices, creating a robust liquid base that simmers gently.
- Transfer the smoked meatball into the simmering sauce, methodically breaking it into smaller, rustic fragments using a sturdy spatula. Allow the meat to meld with the sauce’s rich flavors.
- Submerge pasta shells completely within the meaty sauce, covering the pot to encourage even cooking. Stir periodically to prevent sticking and ensure uniform tenderness.
- After pasta reaches perfect consistency, remove from heat. Swirl in heavy cream, creating a luxurious texture. Gradually fold in shredded cheddar cheese until a smooth, velvety sauce develops.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, offering a vibrant, herbaceous finish to this hearty Traeger-smoked dish.
Notes
- Customize meat selection by using ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for a lighter protein option.
- Adjust seasoning levels carefully to balance the richness of the cheese and meat without overpowering flavors.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting pasta shells with chickpea or lentil pasta for added nutrition.
- Enhance smoke flavor by experimenting with different wood pellets like hickory or mesquite during grilling process.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg