Sloppy Joe Macaroni and Cheese
Get ready for the ultimate comfort food mashup with this Sloppy Joe Macaroni and Cheese! Combining the bold, tangy flavors of classic sloppy joes with the creamy decadence of homemade mac and cheese, this one-pot wonder is the perfect weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing party dish. Tender elbow macaroni is coated in a rich, velvety cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and mozzarella, then layered with a savory ground beef mixture packed with onions, bell peppers, garlic, and a sweet-savory ketchup base. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and loads of hearty, cheesy goodness, this recipe is as easy as it is flavorful. Whether served straight from the skillet or topped with fresh herbs for a touch of elegance, this dish will satisfy both kids and adults. Make it your go-to meal for when comfort food cravings hit!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion
- 1 medium green bell pepper
- 2 garlic cloves
- 0.75 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard (optional)
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, finely dice the onion and green bell pepper and mince the garlic cloves.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Add the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 4-5 minutes.
Stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard (if using). Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl or the cheese sauce's pan. Mix until the noodles are fully coated.
Add the sloppy Joe meat mixture to the mac and cheese, stirring until everything is evenly combined.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional shredded cheese or fresh parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4557 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 228.5 g | 293% | |
| Saturated Fat | 119.6 g | 598% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 792 mg | 264% | |
| Sodium | 6199 mg | 270% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 401.2 g | 146% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.1 g | 72% | |
| Total Sugars | 95.7 g | ||
| Protein | 229.5 g | 459% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.7 mcg | 34% | |
| Calcium | 3167 mg | 244% | |
| Iron | 26.4 mg | 147% | |
| Potassium | 3296 mg | 70% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
