Can I use a different pasta shape if I can't find jumbo shells?

Yes! Large pasta tubes like manicotti or cannelloni work well as alternatives. You could even make this as a layered casserole with regular pasta if needed—just layer cooked pasta, meat mixture, and cheese like a lasagna.

My grocery store doesn't carry Manwich. What can I use instead?

You can make your own Sloppy Joe sauce by combining 2 cups tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons vinegar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon each of mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder.

How do I prevent the shells from tearing while stuffing them?

Make sure to cook the shells just until al dente—they should still have some firmness. Also, let both the shells and filling cool before assembling. Warm shells tear more easily, and hot filling can make them softer and more prone to ripping.

Can I prepare this dish for a smaller family?

Absolutely! You can easily halve this recipe and just use a single 8"x8" pan. Alternatively, prepare the full recipe and freeze half for another meal—your future self will thank you!

Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells Recipe

These Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells transform a classic sandwich filling into an irresistible pasta dish that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Jumbo pasta shells filled with savory beef, vegetables, and that unmistakable tangy Sloppy Joe sauce create a perfect family dinner that’s both familiar and exciting. The melty Colby Jack cheese blanket on top seals the deal for a meal that feels special without requiring professional cooking skills.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: This dish combines two favorites—pasta and Sloppy Joes—into one incredible meal that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Make-Ahead Marvel: You can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble when you’re ready, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep.
Freezer-Friendly: Make a double batch and freeze half for those nights when cooking feels impossible but you still want a home-cooked meal.
Customizable: The basic recipe is fantastic as is, but you can easily adapt it to suit your family’s preferences or what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Jumbo pasta shells: These create the perfect vessels for holding all that delicious filling. Make sure to cook them just to al dente so they hold their shape when stuffed.
Ground beef: The star protein that gives this dish its hearty texture. Using lean beef provides flavor without excessive grease.
Olive oil: Adds richness when browning the beef and sautéing vegetables, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Green peppers: Bring freshness, color, and subtle sweetness to balance the savory elements in the filling.
White onion: Provides aromatic depth and natural sweetness that’s essential to any good Sloppy Joe mixture.
Salt and pepper: These basic seasonings enhance all the other flavors in the dish—don’t skip them!
Sloppy Joe mix: Using prepared sauce like Manwich saves time while delivering that classic tangy, slightly sweet flavor we all love.
Chives: Add a fresh, mild onion flavor and beautiful color contrast both in the filling and as a garnish.
Colby Jack cheese: This cheese blend melts beautifully and offers the perfect balance of sharpness and creaminess.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Switch Up the Protein

Turkey or Chicken: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the meat with a plant-based ground product or a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms and walnuts.
Spicy Variation: Add jalapeños to the vegetable mix and use pepper jack cheese for heat lovers.

Change the Cheese

Try different cheese combinations like mozzarella and cheddar, or add a sprinkle of parmesan on top for extra flavor.

Add More Vegetables

Finely diced carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms can add nutrition and flavor to the filling mixture.

How to Make Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Cook the jumbo shells according to package directions until they’re just al dente. Drain and arrange them in a single layer on a plate to prevent sticking while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s no longer pink, about 8 minutes. Break it up as it cooks for even browning. Once cooked, remove the beef from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Toss in the diced green peppers and onion, cooking for about 10 minutes until they’re softened and slightly caramelized. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Create the Filling

Combine the cooked vegetables with the browned beef and add 1½ cans of Sloppy Joe mix. Stir until everything is evenly coated in the sauce.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dishes

Spread the remaining Sloppy Joe mix over the bottom of a 9″x13″ deep-sided baking pan and a deep 8″x8″ pan. This creates a flavorful base for the shells to sit on.

Step 6: Cool and Stuff

Allow both the shells and beef mixture to cool for 10-20 minutes before handling. This makes the stuffing process much easier and less messy.

Step 7: Fill and Arrange

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Carefully stuff each shell with the beef mixture, then arrange them in rows in your prepared pans. Sprinkle the chopped chives over the shells.

Step 8: Add Cheese and Bake

Cover the shells generously with shredded Colby Jack cheese. Cover the pans with foil and bake for 20 minutes, until everything is heated through and the cheese is perfectly melted.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle additional fresh chives over the top just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Shells: They should be just firm enough to hold their shape when stuffed.
Make Stuffing Easier: Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to fill the shells without making a mess.
Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.
Shell Backup: Cook a few extra shells in case some tear during the cooking process.
Sauce Control: If you prefer a saucier dish, reserve a bit more of the Sloppy Joe mix to spoon over the tops before adding cheese.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

These Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells pair wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.

Bread Options

Garlic bread or dinner rolls make excellent companions to soak up any extra sauce.

Family Style

Serve directly from the baking dish for a casual family dinner, or plate individually with a small side salad for a more polished presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

Prepare the shells and filling up to a day ahead. Store separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve after a day as they meld together.

Freezing

These stuffed shells freeze beautifully! After assembling but before baking, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Alternatively, freeze individual portions in microwave-safe containers for quick lunches.

Reheating

From refrigerated: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
From frozen: Bake covered at 350°F for about 40-45 minutes, then uncover and continue baking until hot and bubbly.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape if I can’t find jumbo shells?

Yes! Large pasta tubes like manicotti or cannelloni work well as alternatives. You could even make this as a layered casserole with regular pasta if needed—just layer cooked pasta, meat mixture, and cheese like a lasagna.
My grocery store doesn’t carry Manwich. What can I use instead?

You can make your own Sloppy Joe sauce by combining 2 cups tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons vinegar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon each of mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder.
How do I prevent the shells from tearing while stuffing them?

Make sure to cook the shells just until al dente—they should still have some firmness. Also, let both the shells and filling cool before assembling. Warm shells tear more easily, and hot filling can make them softer and more prone to ripping.
Can I prepare this dish for a smaller family?

Absolutely! You can easily halve this recipe and just use a single 8″x8″ pan. Alternatively, prepare the full recipe and freeze half for another meal—your future self will thank you!

Final Thoughts

These Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells bring together the nostalgic flavors of a childhood favorite with a fun twist that makes dinner exciting again. They’re the perfect solution when you’re craving comfort food but want something a little more special than the usual weeknight fare. With its make-ahead potential and family-friendly appeal, this recipe just might become your new go-to for busy weeknights, special occasions, or anytime you want to put smiles on faces around your dinner table.