When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats the hearty, satisfying flavor of a classic Sloppy Joe. Now, imagine that same delicious filling tucked inside giant pasta shells, covered with melted cheese, and baked to perfection—sounds irresistible, right? That’s exactly what you’ll get with this Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells recipe, a fun and delicious twist on a beloved family favorite.

Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this dish combines all the familiar flavors of Sloppy Joes with the heartiness of pasta, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for something new to try for dinner or need a recipe that will impress guests, Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells is sure to be a hit. So grab your apron and get ready to enjoy this mouthwatering, cheesy creation that’s as comforting as it is fun to make!

Why You’ll Love Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells

Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells offer a whole new way to enjoy the classic Sloppy Joe flavors. The giant pasta shells are the perfect vessel for the savory, cheesy filling. If you’ve ever been a fan of Sloppy Joes, you know how satisfying the combination of ground beef, tangy sauce, and melty cheese can be. Now imagine all of that wrapped up in a cozy pasta shell and baked to bubbly perfection. What’s not to love?

This dish is comforting, delicious, and surprisingly easy to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight meal. But don’t just save it for the everyday dinner table—it’s great for gatherings, parties, and potlucks too. Whether you’re feeding a large crowd or just your family, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy everyone’s cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part of this recipe is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients to create a dish that feels indulgent and special. Here’s what you’ll need to make Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells:

1 lb ground beef – The base of the filling, giving the dish its savory, meaty flavor.
1 cup sloppy joe sauce – This adds the signature tangy, sweet flavor to the beef mixture. You can use store-bought or homemade Sloppy Joe sauce.
1/2 cup diced onions – Onions bring a bit of sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
1 cup cheddar cheese – Shredded cheddar adds both flavor and melty goodness to the stuffing.
1/2 cup cream cheese – This makes the filling extra creamy and rich, balancing out the acidity of the sloppy joe sauce.
1 tsp smoked paprika – Smoked paprika brings a hint of smokiness, giving the dish an extra layer of flavor.
Fresh parsley (for garnish) – Adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous finish to the dish.

How to Make Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Start by cooking the pasta shells according to the package directions. The large shells will need to be cooked al dente, as they’ll continue to cook in the oven. Once they’re ready, drain the shells and set them aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling

While the pasta shells are cooking, get started on the filling. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Brown the beef, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Once the beef is fully cooked, add the diced onions and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.

Next, stir in the sloppy joe sauce, cream cheese, smoked paprika, and cheddar cheese. The cream cheese will melt into the sauce, creating a creamy, cheesy base that makes this dish extra rich and comforting. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and heated through.

Step 3: Stuff the Shells

Once your filling is ready, it’s time to stuff the shells. Using a spoon, carefully fill each pasta shell with the Sloppy Joe mixture, making sure to pack it in tightly. Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.

Step 4: Add Extra Cheese and Bake

To make the dish even cheesier and more decadent, top the stuffed shells with extra shredded cheddar cheese. Pop the baking dish into the oven and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once your Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells are out of the oven, sprinkle them with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness. Serve the dish hot and enjoy the cheesy, comforting goodness!

Tips for Making the Perfect Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells

To ensure your Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells turn out perfect every time, here are some helpful tips:

Don’t Overcook the Pasta Shells – Cook the pasta shells just to al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooking them will make the shells too soft and prone to breaking.
Use Ground Beef with a Bit of Fat – For the best flavor and texture, choose ground beef with some fat (around 80/20). Leaner beef can be used, but it may result in a slightly drier filling.
Make It Spicy – If you love a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Sloppy Joe mixture. This will give the dish a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Mix Up the Cheese – While cheddar cheese is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of different cheeses for a gooey, melty topping.
Make It Ahead of Time – If you’re short on time, you can assemble the dish ahead of time. Simply stuff the shells and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Add Veggies for Extra Flavor – Feel free to sneak in some extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach into the Sloppy Joe filling for added nutrition and flavor.

Variations of Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells

1. Spicy Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells

For a spicier take on this recipe, add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce to the Sloppy Joe filling. You can also opt for a spicier Sloppy Joe sauce or even make your own with extra heat.

2. Vegetarian Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells

For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or lentils. The rest of the recipe remains the same, and you’ll still get that rich, savory filling with all the comforting Sloppy Joe flavor.

3. Buffalo Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells

Love buffalo chicken? Try incorporating some buffalo sauce into the Sloppy Joe mixture for a tangy, spicy twist. Top with a bit of blue cheese or ranch for that authentic buffalo flavor.

4. Italian-Inspired Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells

For an Italian spin, swap out the Sloppy Joe sauce for marinara or a tomato-based pasta sauce. Add some Italian seasoning like basil and oregano to the filling, and top with mozzarella cheese for an Italian-style stuffed shell.

What to Serve with Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells

Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells are a complete meal on their own, but if you want to round out the dish, consider pairing it with one of these sides:

Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the cheesy sauce and adding extra flavor to the meal.
Salad – A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the stuffed shells.
Roasted Vegetables – Roasted veggies like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts make a great, healthy side.
Coleslaw – The crunch and tang of coleslaw provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy, cheesy stuffed shells.

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Family Dinners

Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells are not only a fun twist on a classic comfort food but also a dish that’s easy to make in large batches, making it perfect for family dinners. The combination of meaty filling, gooey cheese, and hearty pasta ensures that even the pickiest eaters will love it. It’s also a great way to sneak in some extra veggies or make the dish your own by adding your favorite ingredients.

This recipe is sure to be a new family favorite, and because it’s so simple to prepare, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekends when you just want a cozy, satisfying meal. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time and reheat for leftovers, making it a great meal prep option.

Final Thoughts

Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food with a fun twist that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting a casual dinner party, or looking for something new to try, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of cheesy, flavorful filling in perfectly cooked pasta shells is the ultimate indulgence that everyone can enjoy. So give this recipe a try, and get ready for a delicious, comforting meal that’s both nostalgic and exciting!

Share this recipe with friends and family, and don’t forget to try your own variations. You won’t regret it—Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells are sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation!

Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells

Author: lina
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: servings

Print Recipe

Description

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats the hearty, satisfying flavor of a classic Sloppy Joe. Now, imagine that same delicious filling tucked inside giant pasta shells, covered with melted cheese, and baked to perfection—sounds irresistible, right? Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells combine all the delicious, tangy flavors of Sloppy Joes with the heartiness of pasta, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
1 cup sloppy joe sauce
1/2 cup diced onions
1 cup cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese
1 tsp smoked paprika
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the pasta shells according to package directions and set aside.
In a skillet, brown the ground beef with onions, then stir in the sloppy joe sauce, cream cheese, smoked paprika, and cheddar cheese until well combined.
Stuff the cooked shells with the beef mixture and place them in a baking dish. Top with extra cheese and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes to the beef mixture.
You can also substitute the cheddar cheese with mozzarella for a gooey, melty topping!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes