If you’re craving comfort food with a twist, Easy Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells is the perfect dish to satisfy your hunger. This hearty recipe combines the classic flavors of sloppy joes with the fun, cheesy goodness of stuffed pasta shells. Filled with a savory sloppy joe filling and baked in a zesty tomato sauce, these stuffed shells are as delicious as they are filling. Whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting a casual dinner, this dish is sure to impress.

What makes these Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells so great is their versatility. The rich, tangy sloppy joe filling is made with ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and a blend of seasonings that create a flavorful, saucy mixture. Paired with the creamy cheese filling and topped with a generous layer of marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, each shell delivers the perfect balance of flavors. It’s like a fun, family-friendly twist on the traditional sloppy joe sandwich.

Another reason to love this dish is how easy it is to make. With a little prep time and just a few ingredients, you can have a meal that’s ready to bake in less than 30 minutes. Plus, the shells can be prepared in advance, making it a perfect make-ahead dinner for busy nights or meal prepping for the week. If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s full of flavor and a little something extra, these stuffed shells will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Why Easy Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells Work

Selling Points:

• Fun and Flavorful: A creative twist on the classic sloppy joe that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
  
• Easy to Prepare: Minimal ingredients and quick prep make this a simple weeknight meal.
  
• Cheese Lovers’ Dream: The combination of gooey cheese and savory meat sauce creates a cheesy, delicious filling.
  
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer until ready to bake.
  
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies, spices, or even a different kind of meat to make it your own.
  

What You Need for Easy Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells

For the Sloppy Joe Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
  
• 1/2 onion, chopped
  
• 1/2 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
  
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  
• 1/4 cup ketchup
  
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
  
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  

For the Stuffed Shells:

• 12 large pasta shells, cooked according to package instructions
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
  
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  
• 1 egg, beaten
  

For the Sauce and Topping:

• 1 cup marinara sauce
  
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)

How to Make Easy Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells

1. Prepare the sloppy joe filling:
   
   • In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
     
   • Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and is well combined.
     
2. Prepare the cheese mixture:
   
   • In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and parsley. Mix until smooth and well combined.
     
3. Stuff the shells:
   
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
     
   • Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the sloppy joe filling, then spoon a little bit of the cheese mixture into each shell as well. Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish, arranging them closely together.
     
4. Assemble the dish:
   
   • Pour the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, covering them evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
     
5. Bake:
   
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
     
6. Serve and enjoy:
   
   • Let the stuffed shells cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these comforting, cheesy, and flavorful stuffed shells!
     

Tips for the Perfect Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells

• Use lean ground meat: Opt for lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce the fat content in the dish.
  
• Adjust spice levels: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sloppy joe filling.
  
• Pre-cook the shells: Make sure to cook the pasta shells until they are al dente. They will continue to cook in the oven, so you don’t want them too soft beforehand.
  
• Make it your own: Add chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the sloppy joe filling for extra veggies and flavor.
  
• Freezer-friendly: These stuffed shells freeze well. Just assemble the shells, cover with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake directly from the freezer (you may need to increase baking time).

Substitutions and Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or lentils for a vegetarian version.
  
• Cheese Variations: Swap out ricotta for cottage cheese or cream cheese if you prefer a different texture.
  
• Spicy Option: Add diced jalapeños or chili peppers to the sloppy joe filling for some extra heat.
  
• Use a different sauce: If you don’t have marinara sauce, use pizza sauce or a homemade tomato sauce.
  

Make It Healthier

• Use whole wheat pasta shells to boost the fiber content.
  
• Opt for low-fat cheese or reduced-fat ricotta to cut down on calories.
  
• Increase the veggie content by adding extra vegetables to the sloppy joe mixture, like carrots or celery.
  
• Use less sugar: Reduce the brown sugar in the sloppy joe filling or swap it for a sugar substitute to lower the sugar content.
  

Closing  for  Easy Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells

These Easy Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells are a perfect blend of comforting flavors and cheesy goodness, making them a standout dish for any occasion. With the hearty, savory sloppy joe filling, creamy cheese stuffing, and gooey melted mozzarella, these shells are guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. The best part is how simple and quick they are to make—whether you’re preparing a meal for the week or hosting a casual get-together, this dish is sure to satisfy.

Not only are these stuffed shells delicious, but they’re also versatile. You can customize them with different fillings, spices, and sauces to make them your own. This dish offers all the comfort of a classic sloppy joe with the added bonus of a cheesy, pasta-filled twist. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a new family favorite on your hands in no time!

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells

1. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can stuff the shells and assemble the dish a day ahead. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake when you’re ready to serve. If frozen, bake directly from the freezer, adding a bit more time.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
While jumbo shells work best, you can substitute them with other large pasta like manicotti or even cannelloni if that’s what you have on hand.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

4. Can I make this dish with chicken or turkey?
Yes! Feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.

5. Can I freeze the stuffed shells?
Absolutely! These shells freeze wonderfully. Assemble the dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding extra time to ensure it’s heated through.

6. Can I add more vegetables to the filling?
Yes! Feel free to add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach to the sloppy joe mixture. They will add great flavor and nutrition while maintaining the hearty feel of the dish.

7. Can I use a store-bought sloppy joe mix instead of making the filling from scratch?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using a store-bought sloppy joe mix can save you a lot of effort. Just follow the package instructions, then stuff the shells as directed in the recipe.

8. Can I make these stuffed shells gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta shells. There are many excellent gluten-free pasta options available that will work perfectly for this recipe.

9. What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or even cream cheese for a different texture and flavor. Both will work well in the cheese filling.

10. Can I make a vegetarian version of these stuffed shells?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by replacing the ground beef with lentils, black beans, or a plant-based ground meat substitute. You can also add extra veggies for a more substantial filling.

11. Can I freeze leftover stuffed shells?
Yes, leftovers freeze beautifully. After baking, let the shells cool completely, then cover them with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.

12. How can I add more flavor to the dish?
For extra flavor, you can season the sloppy joe filling with some hot sauce, smoked paprika, or even a bit of chili powder. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or oregano on top of the finished dish will also add a nice touch.

Easy Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells are a fun and flavorful twist on a classic dish that everyone will love. The rich, savory sloppy joe filling paired with the creamy cheese stuffing creates a satisfying and hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Plus, they’re versatile enough to be customized with your favorite vegetables, spices, or even different meats.

This dish is a great way to make an easy yet impressive meal that will feed the whole family and have everyone asking for seconds. With the option to prepare it in advance and make it your own, Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells will quickly become a staple in your cooking routine. Whether you choose to freeze some for later or serve it fresh, it’s a dish that always delivers on flavor and comfort.

So, roll up your sleeves, grab some jumbo shells, and treat your family to a comforting, cheesy meal they’ll remember!

Easy Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells

Recipe by Alexandra SaricolCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)

• 1/2 onion, chopped

• 1/2 bell pepper, chopped (optional)

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

• 1/4 cup ketchup

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• For the Stuffed Shells:

• 12 large pasta shells, cooked according to package instructions

• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

• 1 egg, beaten

• For the Sauce and Topping:

• 1 cup marinara sauce

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)

Directions

• Prepare the sloppy joe filling:
• In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
• Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and is well combined.
• Prepare the cheese mixture:
• In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and parsley. Mix until smooth and well combined.
• Stuff the shells:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the sloppy joe filling, then spoon a little bit of the cheese mixture into each shell as well. Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish, arranging them closely together.
• Assemble the dish:
• Pour the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, covering them evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
• Bake:
• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve and enjoy:
• Let the stuffed shells cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these comforting, cheesy, and flavorful stuffed shells!