Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes Recipe
Looking for a delicious fusion meal that combines two comfort food classics? Enter the Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes—a hearty, indulgent dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, game-day gathering, or when you’re in the mood for something fun and satisfying. This recipe features savory, saucy ground beef sandwiched in a soft bun, topped with creamy, cheesy mac and cheese for the ultimate flavor combination.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Combines the rich, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese with the bold, meaty flavors of sloppy joes.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps make this recipe approachable for any home cook.
- Kid-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with kids, thanks to the fun combination of their two favorite dishes.
- Customizable: You can switch up the cheeses, sauces, or add toppings like pickles or jalapeños for a unique twist.
Step 1: Prepare the Mac and Cheese
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to create a roux.
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Cheese and Seasoning:
- Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, and ground mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Sloppy Joe Filling
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon or spatula and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Add Sauce Ingredients:
- Stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened and flavorful.
Step 3: Assemble the Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes
- Toast the Buns:
- Lightly toast the burger buns for extra texture and to prevent sogginess. You can do this in a toaster, under the broiler, or on a skillet.
- Layer the Filling:
- Start by spooning a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom bun.
- Top the meat with a scoop of mac and cheese.
- Finish the Sandwich:
- Place the top bun over the mac and cheese. Serve immediately while warm.
Tips for Success
- Cheese Choices: For the mac and cheese, feel free to use a mix of cheeses for a deeper flavor profile. Sharp cheddar, gouda, and Monterey Jack are excellent options.
- Prevent Soggy Buns: Toasting the buns adds a barrier to prevent the sauce from soaking in too quickly.
- Make Ahead: Both the sloppy joe filling and mac and cheese can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to assemble.
- Portion Control: Don’t overload the buns with too much filling to avoid messy eating. Serve with a fork for any spillover.
Variations
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños to the sloppy joe mixture or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the mac and cheese sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground meat or lentils in place of ground beef. Pair with a vegan cheese sauce for a fully plant-based meal.
- BBQ Flavor: Substitute half the ketchup with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy flavor.
- Loaded Sliders: Turn these into bite-sized sliders for a party by using small dinner rolls or slider buns.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these sloppy joes with a side of crispy French fries, tater tots, or a simple garden salad to balance the richness of the dish.
- Pair with a fizzy drink like soda or sparkling water for a refreshing contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use store-bought mac and cheese?
Yes! If you’re short on time, store-bought mac and cheese can be used. Just make sure it’s thick and creamy so it holds up well in the sandwich.
2. What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well as substitutes.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta for the mac and cheese and gluten-free buns for the sandwiches. Ensure all sauces and condiments are also gluten-free.
4. Can I add vegetables to the mac and cheese?
Yes, adding steamed broccoli, peas, or sautéed spinach to the mac and cheese can make the dish even heartier and add a pop of color.
Why This Recipe Works
The Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes recipe is a culinary mash-up that brings together the best elements of two beloved comfort foods. The rich, cheesy mac and cheese complements the tangy, savory sloppy joe filling, creating a flavor-packed sandwich that satisfies every craving. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or wowing guests at a party, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So grab your skillet, whip up some creamy mac and cheese, and prepare to indulge in the ultimate comfort food fusion!
Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Mac and Cheese:
- 1½ cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For Assembly:
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
- Optional toppings: sliced pickles, diced jalapeños, or additional cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. - Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula.
Drain any excess grease from the pan, then stir in the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
Add ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 5-7 minutes. - Make the Mac and Cheese:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until lightly golden.
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly.
Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Toss the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until fully coated. - Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
Place the toasted hamburger buns on plates.
Spoon a generous portion of the Sloppy Joe filling onto the bottom half of each bun.
Top the meat with a scoop of creamy mac and cheese.
Add any desired toppings and place the top half of the bun on the sandwich. - Serve:
Serve warm with a side of fries, a salad, or coleslaw for a complete meal.