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Discover a delightful fusion of flavors with our Hearty Sloppy Joe Mac & Cheese recipe. This dish combines the rich, cheesy goodness of traditional macaroni and cheese with the savory, tangy flavors of Sloppy Joe, making it a Comforting Family Casserole. Perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings.

Why You’ll Love Hearty Sloppy Joe Mac & Cheese

This Hearty Sloppy Joe Mac & Cheese shines as a Comforting Family Casserole:

Flavor Fusion: Combines creamy mac & cheese with zesty Sloppy Joe sauce.
Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike at gatherings.
Easy Prep: Simple ingredients with straightforward steps.
Make-Ahead: Ideal for busy weeknights or prepped in advance.
I served this at a family reunion, and it was the first dish to disappear!

Ingredients for Hearty Sloppy Joe Mac & Cheese

Here’s what you’ll need for Hearty Sloppy Joe Mac & Cheese (serves 6–8):

For the Dish:

1 lb elbow macaroni
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
½ cup ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp mustard
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste

Equipment:

Large pot
Large skillet
9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing bowl
Aluminum foil

Ingredient Tips:

Macaroni: Elbow shape holds sauce well; substitute with other short pastas if desired.
Ground Beef: Lean beef (80/20) for flavor; drain excess fat for a lighter dish.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar for bold flavor; pre-shredded saves time.
Tomato Sauce: Use plain, no-salt-added sauce to control seasoning.
Ketchup: Adds tangy sweetness; adjust sugar if using a sweeter brand.

Directions for Hearty Sloppy Joe Mac & Cheese

Let’s create this delicious Hearty Sloppy Joe Mac & Cheese!

Cook the Macaroni

In a large pot, I boil 1 lb elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, about 7–8 minutes.
I drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sloppy Joe Mixture

In a large skillet over medium heat, I cook 1 lb ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks, about 5–7 minutes.
I drain excess fat. I add 1 chopped onion and 1 chopped green bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
I stir in 15 oz tomato sauce, ½ cup ketchup, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp mustard, and salt and pepper to taste.
I simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Combine Mac & Cheese

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the cooked macaroni with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, mixing well to coat.

Assemble the Casserole

In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, I spread half of the macaroni mixture.
I pour half of the Sloppy Joe mixture over it. I repeat with the remaining macaroni and Sloppy Joe mixtures.
I sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the Hearty Sloppy Joe Mac & Cheese.

Bake the Casserole

I cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
I remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve

I let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the layers to set for easier portioning.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings
Calories: ~500 kcal per serving (based on 8 servings)
Macros per Serving: 50g carbs, 25g protein, 25g fat, 4g fiber

Variations

Try these twists on Hearty Sloppy Joe Mac & Cheese:

Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp chili powder or diced jalapeños for a fiery Comforting Family Casserole.
Veggie Boost: Mix in 1 cup diced carrots or zucchini for a healthier Comforting Family Casserole.
Cheese Swap: Use Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
Vegetarian Version: Replace beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils.
Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs before baking.

Serving Ideas:

Pair with Layla Cooks’ Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash for a balanced meal.
Serve with a crisp Caesar salad or steamed broccoli to complement the Comforting Family Casserole richness.
Offer warm dinner rolls to soak up the tangy sauce.

Storage

I store leftover Hearty Sloppy Joe Mac & Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. For freezing, I portion cooled servings into freezer-safe containers or bags, storing for up to 1–2 months. To reheat, I microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, or bake at 350°F, covered with foil, for 15–20 minutes, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.

FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions about this recipe:

Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells. Just adjust cooking times according to the package instructions for al dente texture.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced tofu. Ensure to season well and cook until heated through before proceeding with the recipe.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the mac & cheese and sloppy joe mixture in the baking dish ahead of time. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply remove from the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature for about 15–20 minutes, then bake according to the recipe instructions.

What can I serve with Hearty Sloppy Joe Mac & Cheese?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal. It also makes a hearty main course on its own.

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Conclusion

Our Hearty Sloppy Joe Mac & Cheese recipe offers a perfect blend of creamy textures and robust flavors. It’s easy to prepare, making it a go-to choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Each bite combines the comforting familiarity of mac & cheese with the zesty kick of Sloppy Joe, creating a dish that’s both nostalgic and satisfying.