Zesty Cheesy Italian Shells Recipe: Traeger-Grilled Goodness

Comfort food reaches new heights with these traeger cheesy italian shells that promise a flavor explosion in every bite.

Creamy cheese and hearty pasta blend seamlessly on the grill, creating a dish that elevates weeknight dinners.

The smoky essence from the traeger infuses each shell with an irresistible depth of taste.

Perfectly melted cheese cascades over tender pasta shells, promising a meal that satisfies deep cravings.

Rich marinara sauce adds a tangy brightness to the cheesy goodness.

Simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to fire up the traeger and savor every delicious moment of this mouthwatering culinary experience.

Gear For Cooking Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells

• Traeger Pellet Grill: Essential for smoking the meatball and providing a rich, smoky flavor.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining ground beef and seasonings.
• Wire Rack: Helps smoke the meatball evenly on the grill.
• Dutch Oven: Ideal for making sauce and cooking pasta.
• Spatula or Meat Masher: Needed to break down the meatball in the sauce.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring sauce and pasta.
• Cutting Board: Used for chopping onions and parsley.
• Chef's Knife: Required for dicing onions and mincing garlic.
• Measuring Spoons: Help measure seasonings accurately.

Steps To Bake Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells

• Fire Up the Traeger

Set the Traeger pellet grill to 300F and let it warm up while you prepare the magical meat magic.

• Craft the Meaty Marvel

Mix ground beef with spices and shape into a hearty meatball. Place on a wire rack and smoke for 30 minutes, letting those flavors dance.

• Build the Sauce Symphony

Sizzle onions in olive oil until they turn translucent, then add garlic for a fragrant base. Pour in tomato sauce, beef broth, and seasonings, creating a rich liquid canvas.

• Break and Blend

Transfer the smoked meatball into the sauce, breaking it into delicious chunks. Let everything simmer and mingle.

• Pasta Plunge

Drop pasta shells directly into the sauce, allowing them to cook and absorb all the incredible flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

• Creamy Cheese Finale

Pull the pot off the heat, swirl in heavy cream, and sprinkle in cheddar cheese until it becomes a velvety, cheesy dream. Scatter fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips For Creamy Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells

• Smoky Meatball Mastery: Break the meatball into smaller, consistent pieces for even flavor distribution and better sauce integration.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Allow the cheese to melt slowly off the heat to prevent separation and achieve a creamy, smooth texture.
• Pellet Wood Flavor Boost: Experiment with different wood pellets like hickory or mesquite to add unique smoky undertones to the dish.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Replace pasta shells with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version that maintains the rich, cheesy essence of the original recipe.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: The sauce and meatball mixture can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.

Serve Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells Fresh

• Cozy Family Dinner Companion: Serve this hearty dish with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, cheesy flavors and add some fresh contrast.
• Bread Lover's Delight: Pair with crusty garlic bread or warm Italian breadsticks to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the meal perfectly.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the robust flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which will enhance the Italian-inspired taste profile of the dish.
• Leftover Magic Transformation: Reheat gently and top with additional fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra cheese to revive the creamy, comforting textures for an easy next-day lunch.

Keep Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells Warm

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within two hours of cooking. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm individual portions in microwave using medium heat, stirring midway to distribute warmth evenly. Add splash of beef broth to restore sauce's creamy consistency.
• Extended Storage Solution: Refrigerated shells remain delicious for 3-4 days. Place in shallow containers to help cool faster and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 weeks. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to maintain original texture and flavor profile.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 616 kcal

Servings: 9

All You Need For Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells

• Ground Beef: Provides rich, hearty protein foundation with deep meaty flavor; choose 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for optimal juiciness.
• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning: Create robust seasoning blend that enhances meat's natural taste and adds aromatic complexity.

• Olive Oil: Creates silky base for sautéing and adds subtle fruity undertone.
• Onion: Builds foundational flavor with sweet, caramelized notes; select firm, blemish-free bulbs.
• Garlic: Contributes intense, pungent depth; choose fresh cloves with smooth, tight skin.
• Tomato Sauce: Delivers vibrant, tangy base for sauce; opt for high-quality, minimal-ingredient varieties.
• Beef Broth: Increases sauce's savory complexity and adds liquid dimension.
• Paprika: Introduces mild smokiness and warm color to sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides traditional herb blend with Mediterranean character.

• Pasta Shells: Captures sauce beautifully with unique curved shape; select medium-sized shells.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, velvety texture and softens sauce's acidity.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts smoothly, adding sharp, creamy richness.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers bright, fresh garnish with clean herbal notes.

Mouthwatering Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Traeger cheesy Italian shells deliver a mouthwatering comfort dish perfect for family dinners. Smoky cheese and pasta create a delightful culinary experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (0.91 kg) lean ground beef
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 lb (0.45 kg) pasta shells
• 5 cups (1.18 L) beef broth
• 1 (28 oz/794 g) can tomato sauce
• ½ cup (118 mL) heavy cream
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat Traeger pellet grill to 300F (150C), establishing an optimal smoking environment for the meatball.
2. Meatball Creation: Combine ground beef with seasonings, form into a substantial meatball, and position on a wire rack. Smoke for 30 minutes, infusing deep, complex flavors.
3. Sauce Foundation: In a Dutch oven, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add tomato sauce, beef broth, and spices, creating a robust liquid base that simmers gently.
4. Meat Integration: Transfer smoked meatball into simmering sauce, breaking it into rustic fragments. Allow meat to dissolve and meld with the sauce’s rich, developing flavors.
5. Pasta Cooking: Submerge pasta shells completely in the meaty sauce, covering the pot. Cook until pasta reaches perfect tenderness, stirring occasionally to prevent adherence and ensure even cooking.
6. Creamy Finish: Remove from heat, swirl in heavy cream, and gradually fold in shredded cheddar cheese until a smooth, velvety sauce emerges.
7. Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant, herbaceous touch to this Traeger-smoked culinary creation.

Notes

• Optimize Meat Texture: Gently mix ground beef to prevent tough meatballs; use light hands and avoid overworking the meat mixture for tender, juicy results.
• Control Smoke Intensity: Select mild wood pellets like apple or hickory to enhance meat flavor without overpowering the dish’s delicate seasoning profile.
• Prevent Pasta Clumping: Stir shells frequently during cooking and add a splash of olive oil to the sauce to maintain separation and ensure even sauce coating.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Remove pot from direct heat when adding cheese, stirring gradually to create smooth, creamy consistency without grainy or separated sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 616
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 743 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 104 mg