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Homemade Pizza Stuffed Shells photo

Pizza Stuffed Shells

A cheesy, pizza-inspired stuffed pasta bake filled with seasoned beef, sausage, veggies, pepperoni and marinara.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounce box jumbo pasta shells
  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound pork sausage
  • 1/2 bell pepper bell pepper any color, chopped
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small can sliced olives
  • salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 24 ounce jar marinara pasta sauce or 5-minute pizza sauce; use 1/2 cup reserved for filling
  • 4 ounces pepperoni chopped
  • 1 heaping cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Large mixing bowl
  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Colander
  • Spoon or spatula
  • meat chopper

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente; drain in a colander and spread shells on a large plate to cool so they don’t stick.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and pork sausage, breaking up meat while cooking until no pink remains; drain excess grease.
  4. Transfer the cooked meat to a large mixing bowl. Stir in chopped bell pepper, chopped onion, 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan, dried oregano, minced garlic, sliced olives, and 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Spoon a heaping spoonful of the meat mixture into each cooled jumbo shell and arrange the filled shells in a single layer in a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly spread with a thin layer of marinara sauce.
  6. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the filled shells. Scatter chopped pepperoni over the top, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Follow package times for shells to achieve al dente texture.
  • Reserve about 1/2 cup marinara for the filling as noted.
  • Drain excess grease after browning the meats.
  • Use any color bell pepper based on preference.
  • Chopped pepperoni and shredded mozzarella go on top before baking.