Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup

Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes: Prepare to have your comfort food world rocked! Imagine the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic macaroni and cheese mingling with the savory, tangy delight of a perfectly seasoned sloppy joe. It sounds like a culinary collision, but trust me, it’s a match made in foodie heaven. This isn’t your grandma’s mac and cheese, and it’s definitely not your average sloppy joe – it’s the ultimate fusion dish that will have everyone begging for seconds.

While the exact origins of this delightful mashup are shrouded in mystery, the spirit behind it is pure American ingenuity. Both mac and cheese and sloppy joes are iconic comfort foods, deeply rooted in American culinary tradition. Mac and cheese, with its humble beginnings as a simple pasta bake, has evolved into a beloved staple, while the sloppy joe, born from the need for a quick and satisfying sandwich, has become a symbol of casual, family-friendly meals. Combining these two powerhouses just makes sense!

People adore this dish for its sheer deliciousness and playful nature. The creamy, cheesy mac provides a comforting base, while the savory, slightly sweet sloppy joe filling adds a burst of flavor and textural contrast. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and nostalgia, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes are incredibly easy to make, making them ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will redefine your definition of comfort food!

Ingredients:

• For the Mac and Cheese:
• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 4 cups (about 1 pound) shredded cheddar cheese, divided (I like to use a mix of sharp and mild)
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (optional, but adds a lovely depth of flavor)
• For the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend is great for flavor)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For Assembly:
• 8-10 hamburger buns, split
• Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, pickled jalapeños

Making the Creamy Mac and Cheese:

1. Cook the Macaroni: Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package directions. Be sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook a bit in the cheese sauce. Once cooked, drain the macaroni well and set it aside. Don’t rinse it, as the starch helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
2. Make the Roux: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which is the base for our cheese sauce. It should be smooth and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, about 1 cup at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding the next. This will help prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken slightly.
4. Season the Sauce: Add the salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using) to the sauce. Stir to combine.
5. Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese and Gruyere cheese (if using), about 1 cup at a time, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Make sure the heat is low enough to prevent the cheese from clumping or becoming grainy.
6. Combine with Macaroni: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat all the noodles evenly. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the mac and cheese seems too thick, you can add a splash of milk to thin it out.

Preparing the Sloppy Joe Mixture:

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Stir in the Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
5. Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. The longer it simmers, the better the flavor will be!
6. Season to Taste: Taste the Sloppy Joe mixture and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add salt and pepper to taste. You may also want to add a little more brown sugar or Worcestershire sauce, depending on your preference.

Assembling the Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes:

1. Prepare the Buns: Lightly toast the hamburger buns, if desired. This will help prevent them from getting soggy.
2. Assemble the Sandwiches: Spoon a generous amount of the creamy mac and cheese onto the bottom half of each hamburger bun.
3. Top with Sloppy Joe Mixture: Spoon a generous amount of the Sloppy Joe mixture over the mac and cheese.
4. Add Toppings (Optional): Top with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, pickled jalapeños, or any other toppings you like.
5. Serve Immediately: Serve the Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes immediately while they are hot and delicious!

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in the mac and cheese. Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a little bit of Gouda would be delicious.
• Spice it Up: If you like a spicier Sloppy Joe, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes. You could also use a spicier chili powder.
• Add Vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the Sloppy Joe mixture, such as diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms.
• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground beef or lentils for a vegetarian version.
• Slow Cooker Option: You can make the Sloppy Joe mixture in a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours.
• Make Ahead: You can make the mac and cheese and the Sloppy Joe mixture ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat them before assembling the sandwiches.
• Bun Options: Brioche buns or pretzel buns would also be delicious for these sandwiches.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve these Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or french fries.

Enjoy!

This recipe is a fun and delicious twist on two classic comfort foods. The creamy mac and cheese combined with the savory Sloppy Joe mixture is a match made in heaven. I hope you enjoy making and eating these Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes as much as I do! They’re perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a game day gathering. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings and make them your own!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes – a culinary collision of comfort food classics that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. I know, I know, it sounds a little crazy, but trust me on this one. The creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese perfectly complements the savory, slightly sweet, and tangy sloppy joe filling. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). But why is this recipe a must-try? Well, beyond the sheer deliciousness, it’s incredibly easy and quick to make. We’re talking weeknight dinner hero material here. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover mac and cheese (if you ever have any!). It’s also a crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, game day gatherings, or just a fun and different family meal. Honestly, what’s not to love? This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of food that brings smiles to faces and creates lasting memories. It’s the kind of food that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. And let’s be real, we could all use a little more of that in our lives, right? Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations. I personally love serving these Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes on toasted brioche buns for an extra touch of richness. But you can use any buns you like – potato rolls, sesame seed buns, even slider buns for a fun appetizer option. For sides, consider a crisp coleslaw to cut through the richness, or some simple roasted vegetables for a healthier balance. A side of sweet potato fries would also be amazing! And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of crumbled bacon or some pickled jalapeños for a little extra kick. Want to take your Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes to the next level? Try these variations: * Spicy Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture for a fiery twist. * BBQ Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes: Use your favorite BBQ sauce instead of ketchup in the sloppy joe mixture for a smoky and tangy flavor. * Pizza Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes: Add some pepperoni and mozzarella cheese to the sloppy joe mixture for a pizza-inspired version. * Vegetarian Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes: Use a plant-based ground meat substitute and vegetable broth to make a vegetarian-friendly version. The possibilities are endless! Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own signature Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joe masterpiece. I truly believe that this recipe is a winner. It’s simple, satisfying, and undeniably delicious. So, I urge you to give it a try. Gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get cooking! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you love it? Did you make any modifications? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Print