As a lover of both pasta and Philly cheesesteaks, I’m excited to share with you a recipe that combines the best of both worlds: Sloppy Philly Stuffed Shells. This dish is perfect for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and delicious meal that’s packed with flavor. Let’s dive into why you’ll love it, how to make it, and some great serving suggestions!
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Serving Size: 4-6 people
Why You’ll Love It
Sloppy Philly Stuffed Shells are a creative twist on traditional stuffed shells. They’re filled with all the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak—ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms—wrapped in a savory sauce and topped with melted provolone cheese. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients
- 25-30 jumbo shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 8 ounces brown mushrooms, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup Provolone cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons scallion, diced (optional)
How to Make Sloppy Philly Stuffed Shells
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook the jumbo shells al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Transfer the beef to a plate and reduce the heat to medium.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Return the beef to the skillet and stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Thicken the Filling
- In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth and cornstarch.
- Pour the slurry into the beef mixture and simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Stuff each cooked shell with the beef mixture and place them in a prepared baking dish.
- Top with shredded provolone cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish with Scallions: Add a sprinkle of diced scallions for a pop of color and flavor.
- Side Salad: Serve with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread for a comforting combination.
Tips for Customization
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños to the filling for an extra kick.
- Cheesy Delight: Mix in some ricotta or mozzarella cheese with the provolone for a creamier top.
- Veggie Boost: Add more vegetables like diced zucchini or cherry tomatoes to the filling.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Per serving (assuming 4 servings):
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the filling and cook the pasta ahead of time. Assemble and bake just before serving.
Q: How do I prevent the shells from breaking?
A: Handle the shells gently when filling them, and make sure they are not overcooked.
Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Q: Is this dish suitable for a large gathering?
A: Yes, it’s easy to scale up the recipe for a larger crowd. Just multiply the ingredients accordingly.Enjoy your delicious Sloppy Philly Stuffed Shells!