Okay, friends, let me tell you about something truly magical. You know those nights when you just can’t decide between the soul-satisfying comfort of creamy mac and cheese and the messy, delicious fun of a good sloppy joe? Well, what if I told you that you could have BOTH? Introducing my **Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes**! It’s total kid-approved deliciousness, and secretly, adults love it just as much. Think of it as the ultimate upgrade to your weeknight dinner routine. I swear, this recipe has saved me on more busy evenings than I can count!
What is Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes?
So, what exactly are we talking about here? It’s essentially your favorite homemade (or boxed, no judgment!) mac and cheese, taken to the next level with a saucy, savory sloppy joe meat mixture. Think of it as a grown-up, super-powered Grilled Cheese… but with a sloppy joe twist! The name says it all, really – it’s the perfect blend of those two iconic dishes, all piled high on a toasted bun. It’s messy, it’s comforting, and it’s absolutely bursting with flavor. I’ve been making this for years, and it’s a constant hit with everyone who tries it. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll understand the hype!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, where do I even begin? There are SO many reasons to adore this recipe! First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world. You’ve got the rich, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese combined with the tangy, slightly sweet, and savory goodness of a classic sloppy joe. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite! Then there’s the simplicityEven though it looks fancy, it’s surprisingly easy to throw together, especially if you use pre-made. What is mac and cheese? I’m short on time. This one’s a winner.cost-efficient– most of the ingredients are pantry staples that you probably already have on hand. Is it really that bad?versatile! You can use any kind of cheese you like in the mac, or add different spices to the sloppy joe mixture to change up the flavor profile. My kids are always asking for it, and I love that it’s something we can all agree on. It’s a fun alternative to regular burgers or tacos, and it always feels like a special treat. What I love most is how customizable it is – sometimes I add a little kick with some hot sauce, or sneak in some extra veggies for a nutritional boost.
If you love things like loaded fries or a good Chili Cheese Dog, this recipe is right up your alley. It’s the ultimate comfort food mashup!
How do I make sloppy joes?
Quick Overview
Let’s get down to business! What are some good ways to make mac and cheese (homemade or boxed)? Is it okay to be fine too What’s a good Sloppy Joe recipe? What are some good ways to make a Mac and Cheese sloppy-go? What is Joe’s How do you cook mac and cheese? Is it easier than you think?
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese: What are some good recipes for mac and
- 1 pound elbow macaroni. Is that
- How many tablespoons of butter do you
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour. If you are using
- 3 cups milk (I always do whole milk for extra creaminess, but 2% works too! )
- 1 teaspoon salt. 1 tablespoon pepper.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. 1 teaspoon salt.
- What are some good ways to use cheddar cheese?
For the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
- Is 1 pound ground beef good for you?
- 1/2 cup chopped onion.
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell peppers.
- 1 can of tomato sauce per 15 ounces.
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. 1 teaspoon ketch
- What is 1 teaspoon mustard?
- Salt and pepper to taste.
For Serving:
- What are 8 hamburger buns?
- Butter, for toasting buns.
What are the steps for
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Don’t overcook it or it will get mushy when you add cheese!
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. How do I reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until thickened? What is the key to patience?
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Remove from heat and stir in the salt, pepper, and cheddar cheese until smooth. How do you keep a clumpy cheese melted?
Step 4: Combine Mac and Cheese
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Set aside and keep warm.
Step 5: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, brown Ground Beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. I always use lean ground beef to avoid too much grease.
Step 6: Add Veggies
Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. What is the best way to add crunch to a sloppy joe?
Step 7: Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce
Stir in the tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly. I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick!
Step 8: Combine and Serve
Lightly butter the hamburger buns and toast them in a skillet or on the grill until golden brown. What is the best way to serve mac and cheese on a bun? What is the best way to top a bun? Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious mess!
What should I serve it with?
What are some good side dishes to serve with Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes?
For a Classic Cookout: Coleslaw is a MUST! The cool, creamy crunch of coleslaw perfectly complements the richness of the sloppy joes. Plus, a big bowl of potato salad is always a crowd-pleaser.
For a Quick Weeknight Meal: Steamed broccoli or green beans are a great way to add some veggies to the mix. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also works wonders.
For a Fun Game Day Spread: Think chips and dip, maybe some jalapeno poppers, and definitely some ice-cold drinks. This is comfort food at its finest, so embrace the indulgence!
We often have simple carrot sticks and cucumber slices on the side – something fresh and crunchy really cuts through the richness. Sometimes I’ll even add a small bowl of fruit salad for a little something sweet.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes
Alright, here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years to make these even better:
Cheese Choice: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses in your mac and cheese. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a little bit of pepper jack can add amazing flavor. A mix of cheddar and Gruyere is my absolute favorite.
Bread Matters: Use good quality buns! They need to be sturdy enough to hold all that deliciousness without falling apart. Brioche buns are fantastic if you want something a little fancy.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture for a little kick. My husband loves it when I add a few chopped jalapenos.
Don’t Overcook the Beef: Overcooked ground beef can be dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s browned, then add the veggies. The meat will continue to cook in the sauce, so you don’t want to dry it out.
Toast Those Buns: Toasting the buns is essential! It keeps them from getting soggy and adds a nice little crunch. I like to butter them lightly before toasting.
I’ve tested this recipe with almond milk instead of regular milk in the mac and cheese, and it actually turned out great! It gave it a slightly nutty flavor that was really interesting. And sometimes, I’ll add a handful of crumbled bacon to the sloppy joe mixture for extra flavor and texture. Seriously, the possibilities are endless!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Okay, let’s talk about storing and reheating, because let’s be honest, you probably won’t eat all of these in one sitting (although, no judgment if you do!).
Refrigerator Storage: You can store the mac and cheese and sloppy joe mixture separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This is my preferred method, as it keeps everything from getting too soggy.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze both the mac and cheese and sloppy joe mixture separately for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool them completely before freezing. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating: To reheat the mac and cheese, add a splash of milk and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. To reheat the sloppy joe mixture, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat both in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat.
The key is to not overheat it, or the cheese can get rubbery. Low and slow is the way to go! I usually don’t assemble the sandwiches until I’m ready to serve, to avoid the buns getting soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my famous Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s perfect for those nights when you just want something comforting, delicious, and easy to make. It’s the ultimate comfort food mashup, and I know you’re going to love it! If you’re a fan of easy, family-friendly recipes, be sure to check out some of my other favorites, like my One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies or my Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread. Happy cooking, friends! Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And don’t forget to rate this recipe if you enjoyed it! I love seeing your variations too!
Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 85% lean
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 cups macaroni cooked
- 1 cup tomato sauce
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, then drain the excess fat.
- Add tomato sauce to the beef and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked macaroni and cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted.
