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Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells

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​Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells is a comforting dish that combines tender pasta shells with a rich, cheesy tomato sauce and smoked meatballs, all prepared using a Traeger pellet grill. This homemade version of a classic favorite offers a delightful smoky flavor that’s sure to please.​

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatball:

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef​
  • 1 teaspoon salt​
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper​
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder​
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder​
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning​

For the Sauce and Pasta:

 

  • 1 medium onion, diced​
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced​
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil​
  • 1 (28-ounce) can tomato sauce​
  • 5 cups beef broth​
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning​
  • 1 teaspoon paprika​
  • 1 pound pasta shells​
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream​
  • 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese​
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish​

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Grill:

    • Set your Traeger pellet grill to 300°F (150°C) and allow it to preheat.​

  2. Prepare the Meatball:

    • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.​
    • Shape the mixture into a large meatball and place it on a wire rack.​
    • Place the rack on the preheated grill and smoke for 30 minutes.​

  3. Prepare the Sauce:

    • While the meatball is smoking, heat a Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil.​
    • Sauté the diced onion for 4-5 minutes until translucent.​
    • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.​
    • Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a simmer.​

  4. Combine Meat and Sauce:

    • After 30 minutes, remove the meatball from the grill and add it to the sauce.​
    • Break the meatball into smaller pieces using a spatula or meat masher.​
    • Bring the mixture back to a simmer.​

  5. Cook the Pasta:

    • Add the pasta shells to the pot, ensuring they’re submerged in the sauce.​
    • Cover the pot and cook, stirring frequently, until the pasta is tender (about 10-12 minutes).​

  6. Finish the Dish:

    • Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat.​
    • Stir in the heavy cream until well combined.​
    • Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.​
    • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.​

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, consider using plant-based ground meat alternatives and vegetable broth.​

 

  • Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.

Find it online: https://ukfinda.com/traeger-cheesy-italian-shells/