Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells Recipe

If you’re craving the comfort of a childhood classic with a fun Italian twist, Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells is about to become your new obsession! Think hearty, saucy sloppy joe filling, sweet peppers, and gooey cheese all tucked inside tender pasta shells—the best of both worlds in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t you love a recipe that leans on kitchen classics but still delivers something totally new? Each simple ingredient in Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells brings body, flavor, or that irresistible melt factor to the mix. Here’s what you’ll need (and why they matter!):

• Jumbo Stuffing Shells: These pasta shells are the perfect size for cradling all the hearty, saucy filling—we want maximum flavor in every bite!
• Lean Ground Beef: The backbone of that rich sloppy joe flavor; using lean beef keeps things hearty but not greasy.
• Olive Oil: For browning the beef and sautéing veggies until soft and aromatic.
• Green Peppers: Add sweetness, crunch, and gorgeous pops of color throughout each shell.
• White Onion: True to the classic sloppy joe DNA, onions give the sauce its homey depth and a little sweetness.
• Salt and Pepper: For balancing flavors and enhancing every layer.
• Sloppy Joe Mix (like Manwich): The shortcut hero—guaranteed tangy, sweet, and saucy with almost no effort.
• Chopped Chives: Freshness and a gentle oniony bite that wakes up all those rich flavors—plus a pretty garnish!
• Shredded Colby Jack Cheese: Melts like a dream, with just the right creaminess and a little sharpness, sealing the deal on that gooey top.

Variations

The beauty of Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells is in how easy they are to tweak for your cravings, fridge inventory, or dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to mix in your favorites or use what you have on hand!

• Switch Up the Protein: Try ground turkey, chicken, pork, or a plant-based crumble instead of beef for a lighter or vegetarian twist.
• Add Heat: For a kick, toss in diced jalapeños or a dash of crushed red pepper when cooking the veggies.
• Make It Extra Veggie-Packed: Stir in chopped mushrooms, spinach, or grated carrots for even more nutrients and texture.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese for a completely lactose-free version that still melts beautifully.

How to Make Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells just until al dente. Drain them well, then spread them out on a plate or tray in a single layer—this prevents them from sticking and keeps them perfect for stuffing later on.

Step 2: Sauté the Beef & Veggies

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet. Brown the ground beef on medium heat, breaking it up as you go, until it’s cooked through and crumbly—about 8 minutes. Remove the beef, add the rest of the olive oil, then cook the diced green pepper and onion until they’re softened and gleaming with flavor (about 10 minutes). Season everything with salt and pepper as you go for maximum taste!

Step 3: Mix and Cool the Filling

In a big bowl, combine your sautéed veggies, browned beef, and 1½ cans of the sloppy joe mix. Stir in the chopped chives for a pop of freshness. Let the mixture cool for 10–20 minutes so it’s easy and safe to handle when you’re ready to stuff your shells.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the remaining half-can of sloppy joe mix onto the bottom of your baking dishes (a 9×13-inch pan plus an 8×8-inch if needed). Gently fill each shell with a generous spoonful of the meaty mixture and arrange them in neat rows over the sauce in the pan. Sprinkle over the rest of the chives for even more flavor.

Step 5: Top with Cheese & Bake

Blanket the shells in a glorious layer of shredded Colby Jack cheese, then cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes, or until everything is hot and bubbly. Finish with extra fresh chives just before serving for that irresistible finishing touch!

How to Serve Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells

Garnishes

Just before serving, a sprinkling of fresh chives goes a long way to brighten the dish and add a touch of color. You can also top with a few sliced green onions or even a handful of crispy fried onions for crunch if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

Keep it classic with a crisp green salad or simple steamed green beans to balance the richness of the shells. Garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls are always a welcome addition—just right for mopping up all that extra sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, line up the Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells on a platter for a fun, hand-held appetizer version. Or, nestle them in individual ramekins for personal servings that look restaurant-worthy. Paired with a drizzle of extra sauce and a shower of cheese, they’re impossible to resist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover any leftover shells and refrigerate them for up to three days. The flavors deepen and meld beautifully, so no one will complain about having these for lunch the next day!

Freezing

Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells freeze like a dream. Assemble the dish right up to the point before baking, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed (add a few extra minutes if baking straight from cold).

Reheating

Reheat portions in the oven at 350°F, covered, until heated through—about 20 minutes usually does the trick. For a super quick meal, single servings can be microwaved until hot and cheesy!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to dig into these Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells—they’re everything you love about a classic, taken up a notch and wrapped in comfort. Gather around the table and make some new memories with this cozy, crowd-pleasing casserole. Enjoy every melty, saucy mouthful!

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