Hearty Stuffed Shells with Savory Sloppy Joe Filling is a comforting, family-friendly dish that brings together the best of two favorites: stuffed pasta and sloppy joes. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a rich, flavorful ground beef mixture seasoned with a tangy, slightly sweet sauce, then baked under a blanket of melted mozzarella. It’s a satisfying, oven-baked meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a delightful twist on classic comfort food, offering the fun of stuffed pasta with the bold taste of sloppy joe filling. It is easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and made with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. The dish is also versatile—you can adjust the filling, add extra veggies, or make it ahead for easy weeknight dinners. The combination of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and gooey cheese is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
12 jumbo pasta shells
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook the pasta shells according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened.
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Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to blend the flavors.
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Fill the cooked shells with the sloppy joe mixture and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
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Sprinkle the stuffed shells with shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
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Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
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Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter option.
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Add cooked mushrooms, spinach, or corn to the filling for extra vegetables.
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Use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for added flavor.
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Make it spicy by adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
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For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta shells.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, though the pasta may soften slightly.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells and refrigerate them (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze stuffed shells with sloppy joe filling?
Yes, assemble the shells in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
What type of pasta works best for stuffing?
Jumbo pasta shells are ideal, but you could also use manicotti tubes as an alternative.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses all work well in this recipe.
How do I prevent the shells from sticking together after cooking?
Drain the cooked shells and toss them gently with a little olive oil to keep them from sticking.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the mildly sweet and savory filling makes it a great choice for children.
Can I add more sauce to the dish?
Absolutely. You can pour extra tomato sauce over the stuffed shells before baking if you prefer a saucier dish.
What sides go well with these stuffed shells?
A green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables make great accompaniments.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, black beans, or a plant-based meat alternative.
How can I add more flavor to the filling?
Try adding Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs such as basil or oregano.
Conclusion
Hearty Stuffed Shells with Savory Sloppy Joe Filling is a delicious fusion of two classic dishes that is sure to become a family favorite. With its rich, flavorful filling and cheesy baked topping, this meal is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether served fresh from the oven or made ahead for busy nights, it’s a comforting and versatile dish that everyone will enjoy.
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Hearty Stuffed Shells with Savory Sloppy Joe Filling
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-servings
Description
These Hearty Stuffed Shells with Savory Sloppy Joe Filling combine tender jumbo pasta shells with a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet ground beef filling, topped with melty mozzarella. A fun twist on two comfort food classics, this easy baked pasta dish is perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
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12 jumbo pasta shells
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1 lb ground beef
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 bell pepper, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup tomato sauce
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1/4 cup ketchup
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp mustard
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook for about 5 minutes, until softened.
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Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to blend the flavors.
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Stuff each cooked shell with the sloppy joe filling and arrange in a greased baking dish.
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Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the shells. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake another 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook for about 5 minutes, until softened.
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Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to blend the flavors.
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Stuff each cooked shell with the sloppy joe filling and arrange in a greased baking dish.
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Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the shells. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake another 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
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Notes
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You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
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Serve with a green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
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The filling can be made a day ahead for easy assembly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American