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Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joes Mac and Cheese Recipe

Sara Collins
This Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joes Mac and Cheese Recipe and cheese is rich, cheesy and full of flavor. It combines two comfort foods in one dish. You get creamy pasta and a savory beef topping together.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon mustard
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions
  

Cook the Pasta

  • Boil water in a large pot. Add salt and macaroni. Cook until soft but firm. Drain the pasta and set aside. Do not overcook or it will become mushy later.

Make the Cheese Sauce

  • In a pot, melt butter on medium heat. Add flour and mix well. Cook for one minute. Slowly add milk while stirring. Cook until thick. Add cheese and mix until smooth.

Cook the Ground Beef

  • Heat a skillet on medium heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until beef turns brown. Break the meat into small pieces while cooking for even texture.

Add Sloppy Joe Flavor

  • Add tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, salt and pepper. Mix well. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes. The sauce should become thick and rich in flavor.

Combine Pasta and Cheese

  • Add cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Mix gently until all pasta is coated well. Keep heat low to avoid drying the sauce.

Assemble the Dish

  • Take a serving dish or baking dish. Add mac and cheese as the base layer. Spread it evenly. This creates a creamy bottom layer.

Add Sloppy Joe Mixture

  • Spoon the beef mixture on top of the mac and cheese. Spread it evenly. This adds a rich and savory topping to the dish.

Optional Baking Step

  • You can bake the dish at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes. This helps blend flavors more. It also gives a slightly crispy top layer.

Notes

  • Use fresh shredded cheese for better melting
  • Do not overcook pasta to avoid mushy texture
  • Adjust sugar level for your taste
  • Use lean beef to reduce grease
  • Add extra cheese on top before baking for more flavor
Keyword Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joes Mac and Cheese Recipe