Name: Sloppy Joe Mac 'n Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or turkey); 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup tomato sauce or marinara; 2 tbsp ketchup; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; 3 cups elbow macaroni (or favorite pasta); 3 tbsp butter; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 3 cups milk (whole or 2%); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheddar and mozzarella blend); 1 tsp mustard powder or Dijon mustard (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

I combine two comfort food favorites into one hearty, satisfying dish with this Sloppy Joe Mac ’n Cheese. I mix rich, savory sloppy joe meat with creamy, homemade mac and cheese for a bold, cheesy, and family-friendly meal that always hits the spot. It’s cozy, filling, and perfect for weeknights when I want something comforting and easy.

Sloppy Joe Mac 'n Cheese

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the sloppy joe meat:

1 lb ground beef (or turkey)

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup tomato sauce or marinara

2 tablespoon ketchup

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon chili powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the mac & cheese:

3 cups elbow macaroni (or favorite pasta)

3 tablespoon butter

3 tablespoon all-purpose flour

3 cups milk (whole or 2%)

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)

1 teaspoon mustard powder or Dijon mustard (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

I start by cooking the sloppy joe meat. In a large skillet over medium heat, I sauté the onion and garlic for about 3–4 minutes until softened. Then I add the ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.

Once the meat is browned, I stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. I let everything simmer for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens, then I set it aside.

Next, I boil the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. I drain it and set it aside while I prepare the cheese sauce.

To make the sauce, I melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. I whisk in the flour and cook it for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Then I gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, which usually takes about 5 minutes. I remove it from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese and mustard. I season with salt and pepper to taste.

Finally, I mix the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and gently fold in the sloppy joe meat. I spoon everything into bowls and serve it warm. If I want a crispy finish, I top it with extra cheese or breadcrumbs and broil it briefly.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Total time: About 45 minutes

Variations

I sometimes use ground turkey or a plant-based alternative when I want a lighter version.

If I want extra flavor and texture, I add diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the sloppy joe mixture while it cooks.

When I’m craving a baked version, I transfer everything to a casserole dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and bake it at 375°F for about 15 minutes until golden and crispy.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

When reheating, I add a splash of milk before warming it on the stovetop or in the microwave. This helps bring back the creamy texture of the cheese sauce.

If I freeze it, I place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When I’m ready to serve, I reheat it gently on the stove or bake it until warmed through.

What type of cheese works best?

I like sharp cheddar for bold flavor, but I also mix cheddar with mozzarella for extra creaminess. Monterey Jack or Colby also melt well.

Can I make this gluten-free?

I can substitute gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux. I also make sure my Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.

How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

I remove the sauce from heat before adding the cheese and stir it in gradually. I avoid overheating once the cheese is added.

Can I turn this into a baked casserole?

Yes, I transfer the combined mixture to a baking dish, top it with extra cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake it at 375°F for about 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Conclusion

I love how this Sloppy Joe Mac ’n Cheese transforms simple pantry ingredients into a rich and comforting meal. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to customize depending on what I have on hand. Whenever I make it, I get the best of both worlds: saucy, savory sloppy joe flavor and creamy, cheesy pasta in every bite.

📖 Recipe:

Sloppy Joe Mac 'n Cheese

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and comforting fusion of classic sloppy joes and creamy homemade mac and cheese, combining savory ground beef in a tangy tomato sauce with rich, cheesy pasta for the ultimate family-friendly meal.

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened. Set aside.
Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly, and cook for about 5 minutes until thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese and mustard until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni, then gently fold in the sloppy joe meat mixture.
Serve warm, or optionally top with extra cheese or breadcrumbs and broil briefly for a crispy finish.