Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese

Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese is one of those dinners that hits all the right notes—comforting, cheesy, hearty, and just a little nostalgic. It’s like two childhood favorites got together and decided to become best friends in a single skillet. If your family loves Sloppy Joes and mac and cheese, this mash-up is going to be a home run.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make. Everything cooks in one pot, which means fewer dishes (always a win in my book), and it’s ready in about 30 minutes. It’s the kind of meal you can throw together on a busy weeknight and still feel like a dinner hero.

It’s cozy, satisfying, and perfect for when you want something a little indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding kids, picky eaters, or just craving something warm and cheesy, this Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese checks all the boxes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Two comfort food classics in one. Sloppy Joes and mac and cheese—why choose one when you can have both? This recipe combines the bold, tangy flavors of a Sloppy Joe with the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese.
• One-pot wonder. Less mess, less cleanup. Everything cooks in one pot, including the pasta, which makes this recipe a total lifesaver on busy nights.
• Family-friendly. This is the kind of dish that gets everyone excited for dinner, from kids to grown-ups. It’s cozy, flavorful, and satisfying.
• Pantry staples. You probably already have most of the ingredients on hand—no fancy ingredients required.
• Ready in about 30 minutes. When time is tight but you still want something homemade and hearty, this recipe gets it done quickly.
• Great leftovers. If you’re lucky enough to have any left, it reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Olive oil: A quick drizzle helps sauté the veggies and beef. You can use any neutral oil, like vegetable oil, if that’s what you have on hand.
• Lean ground beef: I like using lean meat to keep it a bit lighter, but any ground beef will work—just drain the excess grease if needed.
• Sweet onion: Adds a mellow, slightly sweet flavor that balances the tangy sauce. Yellow onion works too in a pinch.
• Green bell pepper: Brings color and a subtle crunch. Feel free to substitute red or yellow bell peppers for a sweeter twist.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add a nice punch to the dish. If you’re short on time, garlic powder is a suitable substitute. Use about a teaspoon.
• Ketchup: This is the base of the Sloppy Joe flavor. It adds sweetness, tang, and that classic taste.
• Tomato paste: Helps deepen the flavor and thicken the sauce a bit.
• Yellow mustard: Just a tablespoon gives that signature Sloppy Joe zing.
• Brown sugar: Adds just a hint of sweetness to round out the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Worcestershire sauce: A little goes a long way to give the sauce a rich, savory boost.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that pull all the flavors together.
• Elbow macaroni: The pasta cooks right in the pot and soaks up all the saucy goodness. Any short pasta shape will do if you don’t have elbows.
• Beef broth: Adds flavor while cooking the pasta. Chicken broth or veggie broth works too.
• Cheddar cheese: I recommend shredding it yourself for the best melt and flavor. 
• Milk: Use whole milk for extra richness, or whatever you’ve got in the fridge.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness right before serving. Totally optional, but a nice finishing touch!

How to Make Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese

• Step One: In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and green pepper. Cook until the meat is browned and the veggies are softened, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

• Step Two: Stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
• Step Three: Add in the macaroni and broth. Stir well, then bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 16-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
• Step Four: Stir in the milk and cheddar cheese. Heat for 3 to 5 minutes, until heated through. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk. Top with extra shredded cheese and/or chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot.

What to Serve With It

• Green salad: A fresh salad with crisp lettuce, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the dish.
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls: For soaking up any extra cheesy sauce on the plate.
• Steamed or roasted veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or even corn on the cob make great, kid-friendly additions.
• Pickles or coleslaw: If you love a tangy contrast, these are fun sides that play up the Sloppy Joe flavors.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap the protein. Not a fan of beef? Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work just as well.
• Use a different cheese. Cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a bit of pepper jack for a little kick.
• Add some heat. Like it spicy? Stir in a dash of hot sauce, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or use spicy brown mustard instead of regular yellow mustard.
• Make it extra veggie-packed. Toss in diced carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to sneak in a few more nutrients.
• Try a different pasta shape. Elbow macaroni is traditional, but shells, rotini, or penne will all work just as well.
• Make it creamy without milk. No milk? A bit of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt can add creaminess in a pinch.
• Top it your way. Sprinkle on crushed tortilla chips, a little extra cheese, or even some chopped pickles for fun texture and flavor.
• Add fresh herbs. Garnish with parsley, chives, or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Let the Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. If the sauce has thickened too much, stir in a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.
• Freeze: You can freeze leftovers, but keep in mind the texture of the pasta may soften a bit when thawed. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Brown the beef well. Let the ground beef get a bit of color before adding the sauce ingredients—it adds extra flavor to the finished dish.
• Chop everything small. Finely chopping the onion and green pepper helps them blend into the sauce better and cook faster.
• Use freshly grated cheese. It melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese and makes the sauce extra creamy.
• Stir the pasta occasionally. While it cooks in the broth, give it a stir every few minutes so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
• Adjust the consistency. If the sauce gets too thick, just stir in a splash of milk to loosen it up. Too thin? Let it simmer for an additional minute or two, uncovered.
• Taste and tweak. Before serving, taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed—sometimes a little extra salt or mustard makes it just right.
• Make it ahead. You can cook it earlier in the day and just reheat it before serving. It thickens as it sits, so just add a bit of milk when warming it up.

Mac and Cheese Recipes

• Crockpot Velveeta Mac and Cheese
• Stovetop Mac and Cheese
• Salsa Macaroni and Cheese
• Baked Macaroni and Cheese
• Dill Pickle Mac and Cheese

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