Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Sloppy Joe Mac ‘n Cheese is a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy pasta and savory, slightly sweet, and spicy sloppy joe meat. The richness of the mac ‘n cheese complements the bold flavors of the sloppy joe filling, making it a satisfying and comforting meal. It’s also versatile, easy to make, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences, whether you like it spicier or more mellow.
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional for extra heat)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the macaroni: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the sloppy joe mixture: In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat, if needed.
- Add vegetables and seasonings: Stir in the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the milk and bring it to a gentle simmer. Slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, whisking constantly until smooth and creamy.
- Combine the mac ‘n cheese and sloppy joe mix: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly. Then, pour in the sloppy joe mixture and mix thoroughly until everything is well combined.
- Serve: Serve hot, and enjoy the cheesy, meaty goodness of Sloppy Joe Mac ‘n Cheese!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Spicy: Add more chili powder, hot sauce, or even jalapeños to the sloppy joe mixture to turn up the heat.
- Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a sharp white cheddar for more complex flavors.
- Add-ins: Consider adding sautéed mushrooms or extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added texture and nutrition.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of milk to loosen up the sauce. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
2. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add extra chili powder, hot sauce, or jalapeños to the sloppy joe mixture for added heat.
3. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells, depending on your preference.
4. Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure that the sauces and seasonings you use are gluten-free.
5. Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze the dish before or after cooking. Just store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and heat on the stovetop or in the oven.
6. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this dairy-free, use a dairy-free cheese alternative and plant-based milk. You can also skip the cheese sauce and use a dairy-free cheese blend to mix in.
7. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sloppy joe mixture and cheese sauce ahead of time, then combine and bake or reheat when ready to serve.
8. How do I make this more kid-friendly?
To make it more kid-friendly, you can reduce the spices and use a milder cheese like mozzarella. You could also serve the sloppy joe mix separately for picky eaters.
9. Can I add more cheese to this dish?
Absolutely! If you love cheese, feel free to add more shredded cheese to the mac ‘n cheese or sprinkle some on top before baking for a cheesy crust.
10. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a bit of cornstarch mixed with water or by cooking it for a few extra minutes to allow the sauce to reduce.
Conclusion
Sloppy Joe Mac ‘n Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mash-up, offering the creamy richness of mac ‘n cheese paired with the bold, savory flavors of sloppy joe. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a hearty meal, this dish is sure to please. With endless possibilities for customization, you can tailor it to your taste and make it your own!
Sloppy Joe Mac ‘n Cheese
This Sloppy Joe Mac ‘n Cheese combines the savory, flavorful mix of Sloppy Joe filling with creamy, cheesy macaroni. A comfort food fusion that’s easy to make, filling, and perfect for family dinners or potlucks. A delicious combination of two beloved dishes, this Sloppy Joe Mac ‘n Cheese is sure to satisfy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6-8
- Category: Comfort Food, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Here’s a recipe for Sloppy Joe Mac ‘n Cheese:
Seo Optimizer Description about Recipe:
This Sloppy Joe Mac ‘n Cheese combines the savory, flavorful mix of Sloppy Joe filling with creamy, cheesy macaroni. A comfort food fusion that’s easy to make, filling, and perfect for family dinners or potlucks. A delicious combination of two beloved dishes, this Sloppy Joe Mac ‘n Cheese is sure to satisfy!
Ingredients:
For the Sloppy Joe:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mac ‘n Cheese:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sloppy Joe filling: In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar. Simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, until the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the macaroni: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Combine: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until fully coated. Then gently fold in the Sloppy Joe filling. Mix well until everything is combined and creamy.
- Serve: Spoon the Sloppy Joe Mac ‘n Cheese into bowls and serve warm. Enjoy the ultimate comfort food combination!
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
- For extra spice, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the Sloppy Joe mix.
- You can make the Sloppy Joe mix ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
