The Irresistible Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells Recipe

Nestled in culinary comfort, these traeger cheesy italian shells promise a mouth-watering adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Smoky flavors infuse each shell with rich, creamy goodness that whispers of italian countryside kitchens.

Charred edges bring unexpected depth to classic pasta perfection.

Wood-fired cooking techniques elevate humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Melted cheese cascades through tender pasta pockets, creating irresistible bites that sing with robust seasonings.

Hearty and satisfying, this dish feels like a warm embrace from nonna’s kitchen.

Come hungry and leave transformed by these incredible shells that blend tradition with smoky innovation.

Why Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells Hit The Spot

• Smoke-Infused Flavor Explosion: The Traeger grill adds a deep, smoky essence to the meatball, transforming an ordinary pasta dish into a rich, complex flavor experience that elevates home cooking.
• Effortless One-Pot Wonder: This recipe simplifies meal preparation by combining everything in a single Dutch oven, minimizing cleanup and making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or casual family gatherings.
• Comfort Food with a Gourmet Twist: The combination of smoked meatball, creamy cheese sauce, and fresh herbs creates a restaurant-quality meal that feels indulgent yet comfortable, appealing to both kids and adults.
• Quick and Adaptable Cooking Method: From preheating the grill to final serving, this dish comes together in under an hour, offering a flexible recipe that can be easily modified to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients List For Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells

• Ground Beef: Rich and hearty base for the meatball, providing deep flavor and protein.
• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Classic seasonings for enhancing meat's natural taste.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking fat for sautéing and building flavor base.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that create depth and complexity in sauce.
• Tomato Sauce: Classic Italian-style base for creating rich, tangy sauce.
• Beef Broth: Adds extra savory depth and helps create silky sauce consistency.
• Italian Seasoning, Paprika: Warm spice blend for authentic Italian flavor profile.

• Pasta Shells: Curved pasta perfect for catching sauce and cheese.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and smooth texture to dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that provides creamy, tangy finish.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb for fresh garnish and color contrast.

Simple Instructions For Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells

Step 1: Fire Up The Smoky Flavor

Crank your Traeger pellet grill to a toasty 300F (150C). Let it warm up and get ready for some delicious magic.

Step 2: Craft The Meaty Base

• Ground beef
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning

Knead the ingredients together and shape into a hearty meatball. Place on a wire rack and slide onto the preheated grill. Let it smoke and sizzle for half an hour.

Step 3: Create A Luscious Sauce

• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika

Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Merge Meat Into Sauce

Rescue the smoky meatball from the grill and drop it into the simmering sauce. Break it down into bite-sized pieces using a spatula. Let everything mingle and bubble.

Step 5: Introduce Pasta Paradise

Slide pasta shells into the pot, making sure they’re fully submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the shells become perfectly tender.

Step 6: Elevate With Creamy Decadence

Pull the pot off the heat. Swirl in heavy cream until everything looks silky smooth. Gradually sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts into a luxurious blanket. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve hot and enjoy your Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells!

Tips To Make Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells Creamier

• Smoke Meatball Strategically: Ensure even smoking by placing the meatball on a wire rack, allowing smoke to circulate and infuse rich flavor throughout the meat.
• Sauce Simmering Secret: Let the sauce develop deep flavors by sautéing onions and garlic slowly, releasing their natural sweetness and creating a robust base for the dish.
• Pasta Perfection Technique: Stir pasta frequently while cooking in sauce to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, creating a creamy, well-coated texture.
• Cheese Melting Mastery: Add cheese gradually and off the heat to prevent separation, creating a smooth, velvety sauce that coats every shell perfectly.
• Low-Carb Adaptation Hack: Replace pasta shells with cauliflower or zucchini noodles for a lower-carb version that maintains the dish's delicious Italian-inspired essence.

Best Way To Store Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells

• Refrigerate leftover cheesy Italian shells in an airtight container for maximum freshness.
• Cool the dish completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup and potential bacterial growth.
• Consume refrigerated pasta within 3-4 days for optimal taste and quality.
• Freeze portions in sealed freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, ensuring you label with the date.
• When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
• Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and maintain the creamy texture.
• Avoid repeated reheating, which can degrade the dish's flavor and consistency.
• Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming stored leftovers, such as unusual odors or mold growth.

Dishes That Go With Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Complement the rich, meaty flavors of the cheesy Italian shells with a bold Chianti or Sangiovese, cutting through the creamy cheese and enhancing the savory meat notes.
• Serve with Garlic Bread Sidekick: Create a perfect accompaniment by toasting crusty garlic bread, allowing guests to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crispy texture contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Match with Crisp Green Salad: Balance the heaviness of the dish with a light, zesty salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to refresh the palate between bites.
• Cool Down with Craft Beer: Select an amber ale or hoppy IPA to match the dish's robust flavor profile, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, cheesy pasta and smoked meatball sauce.

Variations To Try For Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells

• Smoky Chorizo Shell Sensation: Replace ground beef with spicy chorizo sausage for a bolder, zestier flavor profile that adds a Mexican-inspired kick to the classic Italian dish.
• Mediterranean Lamb Lovers: Swap beef for ground lamb and incorporate feta cheese instead of cheddar to create a rich, Mediterranean-inspired pasta experience with deeper, more complex flavors.
• Vegetarian Verde Version: Substitute meat with roasted poblano peppers and black beans, using vegetable broth and adding extra smoked paprika to maintain the robust, smoky essence of the original recipe.
• Creamy Seafood Shell Remix: Transform the dish by incorporating fresh shrimp or crab meat, using white wine instead of beef broth and adding a splash of lemon zest for a coastal-inspired pasta creation.

All About Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells

• What type of pellet grill works best for this recipe?

Any Traeger pellet grill model works great, but the Pro 780 or Ironwood series are particularly recommended for consistent temperature control and even smoking.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be substituted, but it might result in a slightly less rich flavor. Consider adding extra seasoning to boost taste when using turkey.

• Is this dish spicy?

No, this recipe is mild and flavorful. The Italian seasoning and paprika provide depth without significant heat, making it family-friendly and suitable for most palates.

• How do I know when the meatball is properly smoked?

The meatball should have a nice golden-brown exterior and reach an internal temperature of 160F, which ensures it’s fully cooked and develops a delicious smoky flavor.

Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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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.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. Ignite the Traeger pellet grill to a steady 300F (150C), allowing it to warm thoroughly and create an ideal smoking environment.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Submerge pasta shells completely within the meaty sauce, covering the pot to encourage even cooking. Stir periodically to prevent sticking and ensure uniform tenderness.
6. 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.
7. 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