Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup

  • Total Time: 80 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 servings 1x

Description

Creamy mac and cheese meets savory sloppy joe in this ultimate comfort food mashup! Perfect for a fun weeknight dinner or party snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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)
  • 4 cups (about 1 pound) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (optional)
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 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)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8–10 hamburger buns, split
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, pickled jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside (do not rinse).
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until smooth and slightly golden.
  3. Gradually whisk in milk, about 1 cup at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding the next. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken slightly.
  4. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using) to the sauce. Stir to combine.
  5. Reduce heat to low and gradually add 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.
  6. Add 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.
  7. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
  8. Add 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.
  9. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
  10. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. Lightly toast hamburger buns, if desired.
  14. Spoon a generous amount of creamy mac and cheese onto the bottom half of each hamburger bun.
  15. Spoon a generous amount of Sloppy Joe mixture over the mac and cheese.
  16. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, pickled jalapeños, or any other toppings you like.
  17. Serve the Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes immediately while they are hot and delicious!

Notes

  • Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Gouda.
  • Spice it Up: Add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicier Sloppy Joe.
  • Add Vegetables: Diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms can be added to the Sloppy Joe mixture.
  • Make it Vegetarian: Substitute ground beef with plant-based ground beef or lentils.
  • Slow Cooker Option: Make the Sloppy Joe mixture in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
  • Make Ahead: Mac and cheese and Sloppy Joe mixture can be made ahead and stored separately.
  • Bun Options: Brioche or pretzel buns would also be delicious.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve with coleslaw, potato salad, or french fries.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://www.chefstrawberry.com/mac-and-cheese-sloppy-joes/