Description
Craving a meal that combines the smoky goodness of BBQ with the comfort of pasta? Look no further than BBQ Bacon Stuffed Shells! This easy recipe uses just 7 ingredients to create a cheesy, tangy, and savory dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Learn how to make this crowd-pleaser step by step.
Ingredients
– 24 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken for a lighter option)
– 4 slices bacon (thick-cut preferred)
– 1 cup Alfredo sauce
– ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided (plus extra for topping)
– ¼ cup chopped dill pickles
– ½ cup BBQ sauce, divided
Instructions
1. Cook Pasta: Boil jumbo shells in salted water until al dente (about 9–10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
2. Prepare Filling: Cook bacon until crispy; chop and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté onions in bacon grease until soft. Add ground beef, breaking it into crumbles. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until browned.
3. Mix Ingredients: Combine cooked beef, ½ cup Alfredo sauce, ½ cup cheddar cheese, chopped pickles, bacon, and 2 tbsp BBQ sauce in a bowl. Mix well.
4. Stuff Shells: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Stuff each shell with the filling and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Assemble and Bake: Drizzle remaining Alfredo sauce and BBQ sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle with reserved cheese. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
Notes
– For added crunch, top with extra bacon bits before serving.
– Customize with jalapeños for heat or swap beef for lentils/mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze unbaked shells for future meals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: BBQ Bacon Stuffed Shells, pasta recipes, easy dinner ideas, smoky pasta dishes, BBQ flavors, family-friendly meals, creamy pasta recipes, homemade stuffed shells