If you’re craving a fun twist on classic Sloppy Joes, these Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells are the answer. Imagine jumbo pasta shells, perfectly filled with a hearty, savory Sloppy Joe mixture, all topped with melted cheese and baked to perfection. It’s a simple, yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Hearty and satisfying – The combo of pasta, beef, and cheese makes this dish super filling.
Easy to make – It’s a breeze to assemble and bake, making it a go-to meal for busy nights.
Kid-friendly – The familiar flavors of Sloppy Joes in a fun new format will definitely be a hit with the whole family.
Comfort food at its finest – It’s a hearty, cheesy, and saucy dish that’ll warm you up on the coldest days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a preview of what you’ll need, but you can find the full list below:

Jumbo pasta shells – Perfect for stuffing with that delicious Sloppy Joe mixture.
Ground beef – The base for the Sloppy Joe filling.
Onion and garlic – Essential for flavoring the filling.
Ketchup and mustard – For that signature Sloppy Joe tang.
Shredded mozzarella cheese – To melt on top and bring it all together.
Tomato sauce – To create a rich, savory sauce.

Step-by-Step Directions

Cook the Pasta Shells

Start by boiling the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain them and set them aside to cool slightly.

Make the Sloppy Joe Filling

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with chopped onion and garlic. Once the beef is cooked through, add the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, and a bit of salt and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.

Stuff the Shells

Once your filling is ready, carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the Sloppy Joe mixture. Place the stuffed shells into a baking dish.

Top with Cheese

After all the shells are stuffed, top them with shredded mozzarella cheese. You can also add a little extra sauce if you like it saucier.

Bake and Serve

Bake the stuffed shells in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Don’t overstuff the shells – Be careful not to overstuff the shells, as it can make them hard to bake evenly.
Add a little spice – If you like a bit of heat, throw in some chili flakes or a diced jalapeño when making the Sloppy Joe filling.
Make it ahead – You can prepare the stuffed shells the night before, cover them, and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken – If you prefer a leaner version, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
Vegetarian option – For a meatless version, use lentils or mushrooms to mimic the texture of the beef.
Spicy version – Add hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the Sloppy Joe filling for a spicy kick.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve these Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells with a fresh side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. You could also pair it with some roasted veggies or even crispy fries to really satisfy that craving for comfort food.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave or bake them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. They also freeze well—just make sure to wrap them tightly before freezing, and they’ll last for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular pasta shells instead of jumbo ones?

You can, but jumbo shells work best since they’re big enough to hold all the Sloppy Joe filling. If you use smaller shells, you’ll need to adjust the filling portion.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Absolutely! Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even grated carrots can be added to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What’s the best way to freeze these stuffed shells?

To freeze, assemble the shells in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

Conclusion

These Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells are the perfect blend of comfort food and convenience. They bring the best of both worlds—hearty, savory Sloppy Joes and cheesy pasta—into one easy-to-make dish. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone!

Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells – A Twist on Classic Comfort Food

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A fun twist on classic Sloppy Joes, these jumbo pasta shells are stuffed with a savory beef mixture, topped with melted cheese, and baked to perfection. A hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners and gatherings.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Cook the Pasta Shells: Boil jumbo pasta shells according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Make the Sloppy Joe Filling: In a large skillet, brown ground beef with chopped onion and garlic. Once cooked, add ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes until well combined and heated through.

Stuff the Shells: Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the Sloppy Joe mixture and place them in a baking dish.

Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the stuffed shells. Add extra sauce if desired.

Bake and Serve: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot.