Easy Pizza Freezer Stuffed Shells

5 from 2 votes

These freezer stuffed shells are filled with delicious pizza flavor and are a great make-ahead meal.

Prep Time25

Cook Time40

Total Time1 5

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Servings:

Calories: 796kcal

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1-2 teaspoons of salt. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, reducing cook time by 1-2 minutes. Drain and set aside.

To a large skillet set over medium heat, add the sausage. If using sausage links, remove the casings. Cook until sausage is brown, crumbling the sausage as it cooks. Drain the excess fat.
Add the green pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the pepperoni and 1 ⅓ cups of the sauce and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl to cool for 5-10 minutes. Stir in the diced mozzarella, reserving some for the top.
Spread the remaining sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
Fill the pasta shells with the mixture and place in the baking dish seam side up. Top with the reserved cheese.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake another 5-10 minutes or until bubbly around the edges.

Omit the pepper and add onions or olives, or use a combination of all three.
Pizza stuffed shells are an excellent make-ahead dish. Make the filling mixture and cook the shells. Next, fill the shells and arrange them in a baking dish. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake, up to 3 days ahead.
To freeze stuffed shells: prepare the shells and place them in a disposable aluminum pan (or freezer-safe and oven-safe dish). Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to label including the date prepared.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Bake covered at 375°F for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 5-10 minutes. If the shells are still partially frozen when baking, allow an extra 10-15 minutes of baking time.