Description

Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes combine two comfort food classics into one epic meal! Creamy, cheesy macaroni meets saucy, flavorful ground beef, all piled onto a toasted bun. It’s a fun, family-friendly dish that’s perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Sloppy Joe Meat:

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup ketchup
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup beef broth

For the Mac and Cheese:

8 oz elbow macaroni
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For Assembly:

4 hamburger buns, toasted
1 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
Optional: chopped parsley or extra shredded cheese for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Sloppy Joe Meat:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour in beef broth and let simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
Make the Mac and Cheese:
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.
Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
- Butter and toast the hamburger buns in a skillet over medium heat.
- Spoon a generous portion of the Sloppy Joe meat onto each bottom bun.
- Top with a scoop of mac and cheese.
- Add extra cheese or parsley if desired, then place the top bun on and serve immediately.

Notes

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter version.
Use pre-made mac and cheese for a quicker meal.
Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or gouda for a unique flavor.