Hearty Sloppy Joe Mac & Cheese
This recipe combines two classic comfort foods, Sloppy Joes and macaroni and cheese, into a single, satisfying dish.
It provides the savory, rich flavor of a traditional Sloppy Joe with the creamy texture of homemade mac and cheese, making it an ideal weeknight meal.
What You’ll Need
Here are the components required for this recipe, separated for clarity.
For the Mac & Cheese Base:
- 2 cups dry rotini pasta
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ¾ cup diced yellow onion
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ pound ground beef
- 1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
For the Sloppy Joe Sauce:
- ¾ cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Pro Tips
As a chef, I’ve learned a few techniques that elevate this simple dish. These tips will help you achieve the best possible flavor and texture.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating a block of sharp cheddar by hand results in a creamier, more consistent sauce.
- Achieve a Good Sear: Do not overcrowd the skillet when browning the ground beef. A single, even layer allows the meat to develop a deep brown crust, which creates significant flavor.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining your pasta, reserve about a half-cup of the starchy cooking water. If your final sauce is too thick, this water is perfect for thinning it to the right consistency without diluting the flavor.
Tools Required
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Large skillet
- Colander
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is versatile. You can easily modify it based on your preferences or what you have available in your kitchen.
| Component | Alternative | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef | Ground turkey or chicken | Cooks faster; ensure it’s cooked through. |
| Rotini Pasta | Elbows, shells, or cavatappi | Choose a shape that holds sauce well. |
| Green Bell Pepper | Red bell pepper or diced carrots | Red pepper will be sweeter. |
| Add Heat | Pinch of red pepper flakes | Add with the garlic to bloom the flavor. |
How to Make Sloppy Joe Mac & Cheese
Follow these instructions carefully for a successful result.
Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients: tomato sauce, brown sugar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Set the bowl aside.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Step 3: While the pasta cooks, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
Step 4: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart and cook until it is thoroughly browned, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Step 6: Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked beef mixture in the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
Step 7: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the drained pasta and the grated cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and all ingredients are evenly coated.
Step 8: If the sauce is too thick, stir in a small amount of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Serve immediately.
Nutrition and Meal Planning
Here is information to help you incorporate this dish into your diet.
Estimated Nutritional Information
Per serving (recipe makes 2 servings). Values are approximate.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 750 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Fat | 38 g |
| Carbohydrates | 70 g |
Dietary Swaps
- For Gluten-Free: Use your preferred brand of gluten-free rotini or spiral pasta. Ensure your Worcestershire sauce is also certified gluten-free.
- For Dairy-Free: Substitute the sharp cheddar cheese with a high-quality dairy-free cheddar-style shred that melts well.
Meal Pairing Suggestions
This is a rich and hearty dish. Balance it with a simple, fresh side.
- A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli.
- A side of dill pickles or coleslaw.
Leftovers and Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish or in a small saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of milk or water to restore the creamy consistency of the sauce while reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I make this dish spicy?
Ans: Yes. Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic in Step 4. You can also add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the finished dish.
Q2. Can this recipe be frozen?
Ans: While possible, freezing may cause the pasta to become soft and mushy upon thawing. For best results, freeze the meat sauce separately, then cook fresh pasta and combine when you are ready to serve.
Q3. My sauce seems too thick after adding the cheese. What should I do?
Ans: This is why reserving pasta water is a key step. Stir in the reserved starchy water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency. A splash of milk also works well.
Wrapping Up
This Hearty Sloppy Joe Mac & Cheese offers a reliable way to create a flavorful and comforting meal with straightforward steps.
We encourage you to make this recipe for your next family dinner. Please share your results or any questions you may have in the comments section below.
