Heartwarming Cheesy Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes Recipe

Comfort food meets indulgent twist with these mouthwatering mac and cheese sloppy joes that promise to tantalize taste buds.

Creamy cheese sauce blends perfectly with savory ground beef, creating an irresistible sandwich experience.

Each bite delivers a delightful combination of classic comfort flavors.

The rich, melted cheese envelops seasoned meat in a warm, satisfying embrace.

Bold and hearty, this recipe transforms a childhood favorite into a crave-worthy meal.

Meat lovers and cheese enthusiasts will absolutely adore this delectable fusion of two beloved dishes.

Prepare to elevate your dinner game with this crowd-pleasing culinary creation.

How to Build a Sloppy Joe With a Twist

• Brown the Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a hot skillet, breaking it into delicious crumbles until no pink remains and a rich golden color develops.

• Sauté Aromatics

Toss in diced onions and let them dance around the pan until they become translucent and fragrant. Sprinkle minced garlic and let it bloom for a quick moment.

• Create Flavor Explosion

Pour in tomato sauce, splash of Worcestershire, hint of brown sugar, and a whisper of smoked paprika. Let everything mingle and simmer, developing deep, complex flavors that will make taste buds sing.

• Prepare Cheesy

Stir in creamy mac and cheese, transforming the meat mixture into a decadent, gooey masterpiece that bridges comfort food classics.

• Assemble Sloppy Delights

Pile the saucy, cheesy mixture onto soft burger buns. Watch as the filling cascades over the edges, promising a messy but absolutely irresistible meal that’ll have everyone diving in with pure joy.

Sloppy Joe Tips That Hit the Spot

• Swap cheddar with a blend of monterey jack, gruyère, or smoked gouda for a more complex flavor profile.
• Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a vegetarian version that still packs serious protein punch.
• Prepare meat mixture up to two days in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to develop deeper and intensify.
• Use whole wheat buns or lettuce wraps for low-carb eaters, and opt for lean ground turkey to reduce overall fat content.
• Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for those who crave extra heat and want to kick the flavor complexity up a notch.

Serve Mac and Cheese Joes Without the Mess

• Cheesy Comfort Companions: Serve these saucy Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes alongside crispy sweet potato fries for a delightful crunch that complements the rich, meaty filling.
• Veggie Sidekick: Pair with a fresh, tangy coleslaw to balance the robust flavors and add a refreshing crunch that cuts through the creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Family-Style Feast: Create a build-your-own sloppy joe station with extra toppings like pickled jalapeños, shredded cheddar, and chopped green onions, letting everyone customize their perfect messy meal.
• Picnic Perfect Plate: Pack these in a sturdy container for outdoor gatherings, accompanied by a simple green salad and some cold pasta salad for a complete and satisfying meal that travels well.

Store Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes Smoothly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the mixture completely before sealing to maintain optimal flavor and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze individual portions in sealed freezer bags or containers for convenient future meals. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to preserve texture and taste.
• Warm the sloppy joe mixture in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra tomato sauce to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent scorching and ensure even heating.
• Separate meat mixture and buns to keep bread crisp. Pack components separately in meal prep containers, assembling just before eating to prevent soggy sandwiches and maintain maximum deliciousness.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat.

• How spicy are these Sloppy Joes?

The recipe isn’t particularly spicy. The smoked paprika adds a mild, smoky flavor without heat. If you want more kick, you can add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

• What type of bread works best for serving?

Soft hamburger buns are ideal. They’re sturdy enough to hold the saucy mixture but also soak up the delicious sauce without falling apart. Toasting the buns lightly can add extra texture.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Most kids love Sloppy Joes, and the mac and cheese twist makes it even more appealing. The flavors are mild and comforting, making it a great family meal that children will enjoy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 640 kcal

Servings: 6

Mac & Cheese Sloppy Joes Ingredient Rundown

• Ground Beef: Provides hearty protein and rich flavor, choose lean cuts for less grease.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, select firm onions without soft spots.
• Garlic: Enhances savory notes, fresh cloves offer more intense taste than pre-minced.

• Tomato Sauce: Creates smooth, tangy foundation, select low-sodium varieties for better control.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Delivers complex umami depth, look for traditional aged versions.
• Brown Sugar: Balances acidity and adds subtle caramel undertones, darker varieties provide richer flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces smoky warmth, choose high-quality Spanish paprika for authentic taste.
• Salt: Amplifies overall seasoning, use kosher or sea salt for better texture.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and aromatic complexity, freshly ground offers superior flavor.

• Hamburger Buns: Serves as classic vessel for sloppy joe mixture, select soft, fresh rolls for best texture.

Tools You’ll Need for Mac and Cheese Joes

• Large skillet: Perfect for browning beef and simmering sauce.
• Wooden spoon: Essential for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helps add precise amounts of seasonings.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate liquid measurements.
• Can opener: Needed to open tomato sauce.
• Cutting board: For dicing onions and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for chopping onions and mincing garlic.

Cheesy Mac And Cheese Sloppy Joes Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty mac and cheese sloppy joes blend comfort classics into one irresistible dish. Melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, and zesty sauce create a delicious meal perfect for family dinners you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce or ketchup
• 1 ½ cups (200 g) elbow macaroni or small pasta
• ½ cup (75 g) diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
• 4–6 burger buns, toasted
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Pickles
• Chopped green onions

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Crumble ground beef in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat, cooking until deeply browned and completely separated.
2. Flavor Foundation: Drain excess fat, then sauté finely chopped onions until translucent, adding minced garlic and toasting briefly to intensify aromatic qualities.
3. Sauce Development: Introduce tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar, allowing the mixture to caramelize while incorporating smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground pepper.
4. Simmering Stage: Reduce heat and let the sauce gently simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and enable flavor melding, concentrating the mixture to a thick, clingy consistency.
5. Cheese Integration: Fold shredded cheddar and cream cheese into the reduced sauce, creating a luxurious, creamy texture that envelops the seasoned beef.
6. Bun Preparation: Warm and split hamburger buns, then generously ladle the cheesy beef mixture, ensuring each sandwich is abundantly covered.
7. Serving Finale: Present immediately, allowing the warm, decadent filling to deliver a rich, comforting culinary experience that promises to delight taste buds.

Notes

• Meat Selection Matters: Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to minimize excess grease and prevent soggy sloppy joes.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Remove skillet from heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and achieve smooth, creamy texture.
• Moisture Control: Simmer sauce uncovered to reduce liquid and concentrate flavors, creating a rich, clingy consistency.
• Bun Preparation Tip: Lightly toast buns on a griddle or skillet with butter for added crunch and prevent sogginess from meat mixture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg