Name: Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Favorite
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Jumbo pasta shells – 12-15 shells (depending on size, adjust for the number of servings); Ground beef (or turkey) – 1 lb (450g); Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped; Bell pepper – 1 medium, finely chopped; Garlic – 3 cloves, minced; Tomato sauce – 1 cup (240ml); Ketchup – 1/4 cup (60ml); Worcestershire sauce – 1 tablespoon (15ml); Brown sugar – 1 tablespoon (15g); Cheddar cheese (shredded) – 1 cup (120g); Mozzarella cheese (shredded) – 1 cup (120g); Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon; Salt – 1/2 teaspoon; Pepper – 1/4 teaspoon

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Short Description
If you’re a fan of Sloppy Joes and pasta, you’re going to fall in love with this Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells recipe! This hearty dish combines the savory goodness of Sloppy Joes with cheesy stuffed pasta shells for an ultimate family-friendly meal. It’s easy, comforting, and perfect for those nights when you want something delicious but not too complicated to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Imagine the saucy, flavorful goodness of a classic Sloppy Joe, but tucked into tender, large pasta shells and smothered in melted cheese. This dish offers all the savory comfort of Sloppy Joes without the mess, making it a crowd-pleaser at family dinners. It’s filling, flavorful, and customizable to suit your tastes, making it a new favorite in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients
(You’ll find the full list of ingredients below, but here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need)

Jumbo pasta shells
Ground beef (or turkey)
Onion
Bell pepper
Garlic
Tomato sauce
Ketchup
Worcestershire sauce
Brown sugar
Cheddar cheese (shredded)
Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta Shells

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, cook your jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. After draining them, set them aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

2. Make the Sloppy Joe Filling

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef (or turkey) along with chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Stir frequently to break up the meat into smaller pieces. Once the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are softened, add in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Stir to combine, then let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens up and becomes flavorful. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.

3. Stuff the Pasta Shells

Now comes the fun part! Take each cooked pasta shell and carefully stuff it with a generous amount of the Sloppy Joe mixture. You want to make sure each shell is filled with that delicious, saucy filling.

4. Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce or additional Sloppy Joe sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Place each stuffed shell in the dish, making sure they’re all snug and close together. Once all the shells are in, top them with a mix of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes to get the cheese bubbly and golden.

Expert Tips and Tricks

For an extra kick, try adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the Sloppy Joe mixture.
If you’re short on time, use pre-made Sloppy Joe sauce instead of making your own from scratch.
You can prep the stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking.
If you’re not a fan of beef, ground turkey or chicken works just as well in this recipe.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Try different types of cheese, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a different flavor profile.
If you’re not keen on peppers, you can leave them out or replace them with other veggies like mushrooms or spinach.
For a bit more texture, add a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips on top of the cheese before baking.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve your Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a balanced, delicious meal. You could also pair it with some roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots for an added burst of color and nutrition. For drinks, a cold iced tea or a glass of red wine (like a zinfandel or cabernet) pairs wonderfully with the savory richness of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? Lucky you! This dish stores wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply cover your leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. To reheat, place the stuffed shells in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option.

4 FAQs

Can I freeze Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells?
Yes, this dish freezes really well! To freeze, assemble the shells in the baking dish but don’t bake them. Cover the dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual.
Can I use regular pasta shells instead of jumbo shells?
You can, but jumbo shells give you more room to stuff and hold the Sloppy Joe mixture. If you use regular shells, you may need more shells to accommodate the filling.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a hearty, vegetarian version.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can stuff the shells and assemble the entire dish a day ahead. Just cover it and refrigerate, then bake when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion
If you’re looking for a new twist on the classic Sloppy Joe, this Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells recipe is it! It’s a fun, comforting dish that brings together the best of both worlds—Sloppy Joes and pasta. Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining friends, or meal prepping for the week, these stuffed shells will surely become a favorite. Happy cooking!

Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Favorite

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

A hearty dish combining the savory goodness of Sloppy Joes with cheesy stuffed pasta shells. Perfect for family dinners, this recipe is easy, comforting, and customizable to suit your tastes.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta Shells: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make the Sloppy Joe Filling: In a large skillet, cook ground beef (or turkey) with onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Add tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Stuff the Pasta Shells: Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the Sloppy Joe mixture.
Assemble and Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread marinara sauce in a baking dish. Arrange stuffed shells, top with cheese, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.