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Ingredients for Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes
To whip up this delectable dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions for Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes
1. Cook the Macaroni:
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the diced onion and bell pepper (if using) until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5-10 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly.
3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In another saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, creating a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, stirring constantly.
- Add the mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
4. Combine the Two:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat the pasta.
- To serve, spoon the sloppy joe filling onto the bottom half of each hamburger bun, followed by a generous scoop of the mac and cheese. Top with the other half of the bun.
5. Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful mash-up of flavors!
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot for cooking macaroni
- Skillet for browning meat
- Saucepan for making cheese sauce
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula for stirring
Tips for Making the Best Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes
- Choose Your Meat: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a healthier or vegetarian option.
- Spice It Up: Add a splash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños to the sloppy joe filling for an extra kick.
- Extra Creaminess: For an even creamier mac and cheese, consider adding a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream to the cheese sauce.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to add additional ingredients like diced tomatoes, corn, or cooked bacon to customize the flavors.
Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze portions of the sloppy joe filling or mac and cheese separately for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or water to the mac and cheese if it seems dry.
Pairing Suggestions
These Mac and Cheese Sloppy Joes are delicious on their own, but here are a few pairing ideas:
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the casserole.
- Pickles: Serve with pickles or pickle spears for a tangy crunch.
- Potato Chips: A side of crispy potato chips makes for a great crunchy addition.
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