Description
Comfort classic mac cheese sloppy joes merge creamy pasta with hearty ground beef in a mouthwatering fusion. Melted cheese and savory meat create an irresistible dinner you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
Vegetables:
- 1/2 cup (75 g) chopped onion
- 1/2 cup (75 g) chopped green bell pepper
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) ketchup
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) brown sugar
Cheese and Pasta:
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 g) cooked macaroni
Serving:
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat at 350°F, thoroughly draining any accumulated fat to ensure a lean base for the dish.
- Introduce finely diced onions and green bell peppers into the skillet, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and release their aromatic flavors.
- Create a robust sauce by incorporating ketchup, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar, stirring continuously to develop a rich, complex flavor profile.
- Gradually sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the meat mixture, gently folding until the cheese melts completely and integrates seamlessly with the sauce.
- Fold pre-cooked macaroni into the cheesy beef mixture, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated with the savory sauce.
- Toast hamburger buns lightly to provide a crisp foundation, then generously ladle the mac and cheese sloppy joe mixture onto each bun.
- Serve immediately while the mixture is piping hot, allowing the melted cheese and robust sauce to create a mouthwatering dining experience.
Notes
- Customize meat options by substituting ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for dietary preferences.
- Create a lighter version by using low-fat cheese and whole wheat hamburger buns for a healthier twist.
- Enhance flavor depth by adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to elevate the overall taste profile.
- Prep ingredients in advance and store the beef mixture separately from buns to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 645 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg