Messy Marvelous Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes Recipe

This mac and cheese sloppy joes dancing with irresistible flavor on your plate!

Comfort food lovers will instantly fall for this mouthwatering mashup of classic favorites.

Melting cheese and savory meat blending into one epic sandwich creation.

Childhood memories collide with grown-up cravings in this delightful twist.

Bold combinations often surprise us with unexpected deliciousness.

Each bite promises a creamy, messy adventure that breaks all traditional dinner rules.

Hungry friends and family won’t be able to resist diving into these epic sloppy joes.

Why Mac And Cheese Sloppy Joes Are Worth Making

• Flavor Explosion: Combines the classic comfort of sloppy joes with creamy, cheesy mac and cheese for a mouthwatering taste sensation that blends savory beef and rich cheese in every bite.
• Texture Magic: Delivers a perfect contrast between the saucy, meaty mixture and the smooth, velvety mac and cheese, creating an irresistible combination of creamy and hearty textures.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal meal for busy families who want a delicious and satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser: Brings together two beloved comfort foods in one epic sandwich, guaranteed to make both kids and adults cheer with excitement at mealtime.

What’s Inside Mac And Cheese Sloppy Joes

• Ground Beef: Classic protein foundation for sloppy joes, rich and hearty meat for the sauce.
• Macaroni: Soft pasta providing creamy base and textural contrast, works perfectly in mac and cheese.

• Tomato Sauce: Provides tangy base for sloppy joe mixture, creates signature saucy consistency.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds deep umami and complex flavor profile, enhances meat's richness.
• Brown Sugar: Brings subtle sweetness and balances savory elements, creates depth in sauce.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky undertone and mild spice, elevates overall flavor complexity.

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy base for cheese sauce, adds smooth texture.
• Milk: Creates smooth, silky foundation for cheese sauce, ensures proper consistency.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that forms creamy mac and cheese, adds robust flavor.

• Onion: Adds savory base notes and aromatic depth, provides subtle sweetness.
• Garlic: Brings intense, sharp flavor, complements meat and sauce components.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste.
• Mustard Powder: Optional ingredient adding tangy, sharp notes to cheese sauce.

• Hamburger Buns: Soft carrier for sloppy joe mixture, provides classic sandwich structure.

• Pickles, Green Onions: Fresh toppings for added crunch and brightness.

Steps To Make Mac And Cheese Sloppy Joes Easily

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in ground beef and crumble while cooking until it turns a rich, golden brown. Drain away any extra fat that accumulates in the pan.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Scatter diced onions into the skillet and let them dance around until they become soft and translucent. Sprinkle minced garlic and let it sizzle briefly, releasing its fragrant aroma.

Step 3: Create Sloppy Joe Sauce

• Tomato sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Brown sugar
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer gently, allowing flavors to meld and deepen for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare Mac and Cheese

Boil macaroni in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Build Cheese Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt butter until it’s bubbling. Whisk in flour and cook for a minute to remove raw flour taste. Slowly stream in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.

Step 6: Finish Cheese Sauce

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Mustard powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Fold cooked pasta into the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring every noodle gets coated.

Step 7: Construct Sloppy Joes

Toast hamburger buns until golden and crisp. Layer the bottom bun with a hearty scoop of saucy beef mixture. Crown with a generous dollop of mac and cheese.

Step 8: Add Final Touches

• Chopped green onions
• Pickle slices
• Extra cheese

Cap with the top bun and serve immediately while everything is warm and inviting.

Tips For Cooking Mac And Cheese Sloppy Joes Right

• Boost Meat Flavor: Add a splash of beef broth or a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or oregano to enhance the ground beef's depth and richness.
• Cheese Melt Magic: Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for smoother, creamier mac and cheese that melts more evenly.
• Low-Carb Twist: Replace burger buns with large lettuce leaves for a lighter, gluten-free version that's just as delicious.
• Spice It Up: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
• Make-Ahead Hack: Prepare sloppy joe mixture and mac and cheese separately ahead of time, then reheat and assemble right before serving to save cooking time.

Storing And Reheating Mac And Cheese Sloppy Joes Made Easy

• Refrigerate: Store cooled mac and cheese sloppy joes in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Separate Storage: Keep mac and cheese and sloppy joe mixtures in separate containers to maintain their individual textures and prevent sogginess.
• Microwave Reheating: Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Stovetop Reviving: Gently reheat sloppy joe mixture in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture and prevent burning.

Good Matches For Mac And Cheese Sloppy Joes

• Pair with Crisp Coleslaw: Cut through the richness of mac and cheese sloppy joes with a tangy, crunchy coleslaw. The vinegar-based dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy, meaty sandwich.
• Serve with Dill Pickle Spears: Grab some cold, crisp dill pickle spears to add a zesty, briny crunch. Their sharp flavor helps balance the heavy, cheesy dish and provides a palate-cleansing bite.
• Complement with Craft Beer: Choose a hoppy IPA or a light amber ale to match the robust flavors. The beer's carbonation and slight bitterness will cut through the richness of the mac and cheese sloppy joe.
• Cool Down with Rootbeer Float: Finish the meal with a classic rootbeer float. The sweet, creamy vanilla ice cream and fizzy root beer offer a nostalgic dessert that perfectly rounds out this comfort food experience.

Change-Up Ideas For Mac And Cheese Sloppy Joes

• Spicy Southwest Fusion: Swap tomato sauce with salsa, add diced green chilies, and sprinkle in cumin for a zesty southwestern kick. Top mac and cheese with pepper jack cheese and fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
• BBQ Ranch Mashup: Replace tomato sauce with smoky BBQ sauce, mix ranch seasoning into the ground beef. Garnish with crispy bacon bits and serve on toasted brioche buns for a rich, tangy experience.
• Vegetarian Mediterranean Mix: Substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat crumbles. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and crumbled feta cheese into the mac and cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Chili Cheese Upgrade: Blend in mild chili powder and kidney beans into the sloppy joe mixture. Use a combination of cheddar and pepper jack cheese in the mac and cheese for extra warmth and complexity.

FAQs About Mac And Cheese Sloppy Joes

• What makes these mac and cheese sloppy joes different from traditional sloppy joes?

These sloppy joes combine two comfort food classics by adding creamy mac and cheese directly into the sandwich, creating a more indulgent and exciting flavor experience that goes beyond the typical ground beef and sauce combination.

• Can I use a different type of pasta for the mac and cheese?

Macaroni works best because of its small, compact shape that holds the cheese sauce well, but you can substitute with small shells or cavatappi if you prefer a slightly different pasta texture.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids typically love both mac and cheese and sloppy joes, so combining them creates a super fun meal that children will be excited to eat. The familiar flavors and cheesy goodness make it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

• How can I make this recipe a bit healthier?

You can use lean ground beef, reduce the amount of cheese slightly, or swap some of the cheese for a lower-fat variety. Adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers to the sloppy joe mixture can also boost the nutritional value.

Mac And Cheese Sloppy Joes Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets creativity in this mac and cheese sloppy joe fusion, blending creamy pasta with zesty ground beef for an irresistible comfort meal. Hearty and indulgent, this dish promises to satisfy your cravings with its rich, cheesy goodness and bold flavor profile.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef

Pasta:

• 1 ½ cups (200 grams) elbow macaroni or small pasta

Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) tomato sauce or ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup (75 grams) diced onion

Cheese Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) milk
• 2 cups (200 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)

Seasoning:

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Serving Ingredients:

• 4–6 burger buns, toasted

Optional Toppings:

• Pickles
• Chopped green onions

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Instructions

1. Transform the ground beef in a spacious skillet over medium heat, crumbling the meat until it browns evenly and releases its rich flavors.
2. Incorporate diced onions and sauté until they become translucent, then introduce minced garlic and allow its aromatic essence to permeate the mixture.
3. Infuse the meat with tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, seasoning with salt and pepper to create a robust and tangy base.
4. Reduce the heat and let the sloppy joe mixture simmer, allowing the ingredients to meld and develop a deep, complex flavor profile.
5. Simultaneously, prepare the macaroni in boiling water until it reaches a perfect al dente texture, then drain and set aside.
6. Craft a creamy cheese sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour to create a smooth roux that will serve as the foundation for the mac and cheese.
7. Gradually stream milk into the roux, continuously stirring to prevent lumps and create a velvety sauce that thickens beautifully.
8. Remove the sauce from heat and fold in sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts completely and becomes luxuriously smooth.
9. Season the cheese sauce with mustard powder, salt, and pepper, then gently fold in the cooked macaroni, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated.
10. Toast the burger buns until they achieve a golden, crisp exterior that will provide a delightful crunch.
11. Assemble the sloppy joes by layering the spiced meat mixture onto the bottom bun, then crown with a generous helping of creamy mac and cheese.
12. Optionally garnish with pickles or sliced green onions for added freshness and texture, then cap with the top bun and serve immediately.

Notes

• Beef Selection Matters: Choose lean ground beef with 85-90% meat content for the best flavor and texture without excessive grease.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Shred cheese freshly instead of using pre-shredded varieties, as it melts more smoothly and creates a creamier mac and cheese sauce.
• Customize Heat Levels: Adjust spiciness by adding hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sloppy joe mixture for those who enjoy extra kick.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap wheat flour for cornstarch when thickening the cheese sauce and use gluten-free buns to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg