MAC AND CHEESE SLOPPY JOES
This Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes recipe combines the classic flavors of sloppy joes with creamy mac and cheese for a deliciously comforting and hearty meal. It's perfect for satisfying those comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joes:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Sloppy Joes:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture is thick and flavorful.
Prepare the Mac and Cheese:
- While the sloppy joes are simmering, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
- Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted hamburger bun.
- Top with a scoop of mac and cheese.
- Place the top half of the bun on top to complete the sandwich.
Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes!
Notes
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to use other cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda for the mac and cheese.
- Vegetable Additions: You can add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or corn to the sloppy joe mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
- Make-Ahead: The sloppy joe mixture and mac and cheese can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat just before serving.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.