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

Description

Sloppy Joe Stuffed Shells combine the hearty flavors of the classic sloppy joe sandwich with jumbo pasta shells, creating a comforting and delicious meal for the whole family. Packed with savory beef, veggies, and cheese, these stuffed shells are baked to perfection and sure to be a hit at any gathering or weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Pasta

1 (12 oz) package jumbo stuffing shells

Meat Filling

1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 green peppers, diced
1 white onion, diced
Salt and pepper to taste
2 (15 oz) cans sloppy joe mix (like Manwich)
2 tablespoons chopped chives, plus extra for serving

Cheese

3 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta Shells
Cook the jumbo stuffing shells to al dente according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the shells and arrange them on a plate in a single layer to cool.
Prepare the Meat Filling
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 8 minutes, breaking the meat apart as it browns. Once fully cooked, remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced green peppers and white onion, cooking for approximately 10 minutes or until softened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the Filling Ingredients
Combine the cooked vegetables with the browned beef and 1 1/2 cans of sloppy joe mix. Reserve the remaining half can of sloppy joe mix.
Prepare the Baking Dish
Spread the reserved half can of sloppy joe mix across the bottom of a 9”x13” deep-sided baking pan and an 8”x8” baking pan.
Stuff the Shells
Allow the pasta shells and beef mixture to cool for 10–20 minutes before handling. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Stuff each shell with the beef mixture and arrange them in rows within the prepared baking dishes.
Top and Bake the Shells
Sprinkle the stuffed shells with chopped chives, followed by the shredded Colby Jack cheese. Cover the baking dishes with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the foil and top the shells with additional chopped chives just before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

To make this dish ahead of time, fully assemble the stuffed shells and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
For a vegetarian variation, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils.
Serve these stuffed shells with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 920mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 65mg