If you’re ready to kick your comfort food cravings into high gear, these Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells are going to rock your world! Imagine everything you love about classic sloppy joes—juicy, meaty, saucy goodness—packed inside tender pasta shells and smothered with gooey, golden cheese. It’s hearty, cheesy, a little bit tangy, and absolutely irresistible for family dinners or potlucks!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: These Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells combine two family-favorite meals in one and are guaranteed to wow even the pickiest eaters.
- Super Easy & Make-Ahead Friendly: The prep is straightforward and the recipe can be assembled in advance, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Cheesy, Saucy Perfection: Every bite delivers the ultimate marriage of creamy melted Colby Jack cheese and saucy, seasoned beef.
- Freezer-Friendly for Future Meals: Make a big batch and freeze some—you’ll be thanking yourself when you need a quick, delicious dinner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into something spectacular! Every element plays a starring role—from the pasta shells that cradle the sloppy joe filling to the vibrant veggies and irresistibly melty cheese. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Jumbo stuffing shells: The perfect vessel for holding all that saucy, meaty goodness; cook them just until al dente so they don’t tear when stuffing.
- Lean ground beef: Rich, flavorful, and hearty—a classic base for the sloppy joe filling.
- Olive oil: This helps the beef and veggies brown nicely and adds a subtle depth of flavor.
- Green peppers: They bring color, crunch, and that essential pop of freshness.
- White onion: A must for all good Sloppy Joes, adding both sweetness and savory bite.
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning the filling and making sure every bite is just right.
- Sloppy joe mix (like Manwich): The shortcut to that signature sweet-and-tangy taste; using canned mix keeps things easy and consistent.
- Chopped chives: These add a gentle oniony punch and a pop of green on top.
- Shredded Colby Jack cheese: The secret to a golden, bubbling top that everyone will fight over.
Variations
The beauty of Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells is how flexible the recipe is—don’t be shy about making it your own! Whether you want to lighten things up, add veggies, or accommodate dietary needs, it’s super simple to adapt.
- Switch up the protein: Try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner twist, or go meatless with lentils and sautéed mushrooms!
- Add extra veggies: Mix in corn, diced carrots, or zucchini to sneak in more nutrition and texture.
- Play with the cheese: Swap Colby Jack for mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Make it spicy: Add minced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the filling if you like some heat!
How to Make Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells
Step 1: Cook the Jumbo Shells
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil, then add your jumbo shells and cook until they are just barely al dente. This is important—they’ll soften further while baking. Drain them gently and lay the shells out on a plate or tray in a single layer, so they don’t stick together while you prep the filling.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add in the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, until it’s nicely browned and any juices have evaporated. This takes about 8 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside—you’ve built the perfect flavor foundation!
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet, then toss in your diced green peppers and onions. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are soft and fragrant. Season them with salt and pepper so their flavors shine through.
Step 4: Mix it All Together
Combine the softened veggies with your cooked beef, then stir in one and a half cans of sloppy joe mix. This blend is what gives Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells their classic, nostalgic taste. Let the mixture cool for about 10–20 minutes before you start stuffing—it’ll be easier to handle and won’t melt the cheese too soon!
Step 5: Prep the Baking Dish and Fill the Shells
Spread the remaining half-can of sloppy joe mix across the bottom of a large 9×13” baking dish (and an extra 8×8” if needed). Now, scoop the beef mixture into each shell—trust me, this part is so satisfying! Nestle the filled shells into the baking dish in neat rows, then sprinkle chopped chives on top for extra flavor and color.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake
Shower the stuffed shells generously with shredded Colby Jack cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbling and golden. Sprinkle with more fresh chives and serve piping hot!
Pro Tips for Making Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta Shells: Undercook them by a minute or two so they hold their shape and don’t fall apart when stuffing and baking.
- Let the Filling Cool: Allow the beef and veggie mixture to cool before stuffing the shells—this makes filling easier and prevents melting the cheese prematurely inside the shell.
- Load Up on Cheese: Sprinkle a little cheese inside each shell before stuffing for an extra-melty, cheesy surprise in every bite.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange your stuffed shells in a single, packed layer but leave a tiny bit of space between them to help the sauce bubble up around each one.
How to Serve Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells
Garnishes
I love a crown of freshly chopped chives for a mild, oniony freshness, but you could also sprinkle on sliced green onions, a tiny bit of fresh parsley, or a handful of extra shredded cheese right before serving for an irresistible finish.
Side Dishes
Serve your Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells with a simple green salad, buttery garlic bread, or some roasted vegetables for balance. If you want a true comfort food feast, try a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes or crisp coleslaw alongside!
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the shells in mini, single-serve ramekins for individual portions—perfect for parties! Or sprinkle extra cheese on top and broil for a bubbly, golden finish that you can serve right at the table for a dramatic reveal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. They taste just as delicious the next day, especially as the flavors continue to mingle!
Freezing
These shells are a freezer MVP! Assemble the dish but don’t bake—just wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, simply thaw overnight and bake as directed (add 5–10 minutes if baking cold).
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or place the whole dish (covered with foil) in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, about 20–25 minutes. Add an extra sprinkle of chives or cheese for a fresh touch.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade sloppy joe sauce instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you have a homemade sloppy joe sauce recipe you love, go right ahead—just use about 30 ounces to match the canned amount and simmer until thick and saucy before mixing with the beef and veggies.
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What if I can’t find jumbo pasta shells?
If jumbo stuffing shells aren’t available, you can try using manicotti tubes or even layering the meat mixture with cooked lasagna noodles for a “sloppy joe lasagna” twist—it’s just as tasty!
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Can I make Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
Yes, this is a fantastic make-ahead recipe! Assemble everything up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready to serve.
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Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Certainly! Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or lentils, use reduced-fat cheese, and add extra veggies to the filling for a lighter but still satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a dinner that’s pure comfort with a playful twist, you absolutely have to try these Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells. They’re family-approved, make-ahead friendly, and guaranteed to earn rave reviews at the table. So grab your apron and dig in—this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again!
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Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 38 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 23 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells is a delightful fusion dish combining the flavors of classic sloppy joes with the comfort of stuffed pasta shells. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Jumbo Stuffing Shells:
1 (12 oz) package
Lean Ground Beef:
1 1/2 lbs
Olive Oil:
2 tablespoons
Green Peppers, diced:
2
White Onion, diced:
1
Salt and Pepper:
to taste
Sloppy Joe Mix (like Manwich):
2 (15 oz) cans
Chopped Chives:
2 tablespoons, plus extra for serving
Colby Jack Cheese, shredded:
3 cups
Instructions
- Cook the Shells: Cook shells until al dente, drain, and arrange on a plate in a single layer.
- Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add beef and cook until browned, about 8 minutes. Break up the meat as it cooks. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Sauté Veggies: Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Cook green peppers and onion for 10 minutes or until softened. Season with salt and pepper. Combine veggies with beef and 1 ½ cans of sloppy joe mix.
- Prepare the Baking Pans: Spread the remaining sloppy joe mix over the bottom of a 9”x13” deep-sided baking pan and an 8”x8” pan.
- Stuff the Shells: Allow shells and beef mixture to cool for 10-20 minutes. Preheat oven to 350˚F. Stuff beef mixture into shells and arrange in rows in the baking pans.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle chives over the shells. Cover with shredded cheese and bake for 20 minutes. Top with extra chives before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
