Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese

Two classic comfort foods combined to make one hearty and very satisfying casserole.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 60 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins
• Calories: 832 Calories

Ingredients

• ¼ cup butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 small onion, minced
• 3 cups half-and-half
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 ½ pounds ground beef
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 4 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
• 1 (1.3 ounce) envelope sloppy joe seasoning
• 1 teaspoon ground dry mustard
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can canned diced tomatoes

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Place macaroni in the pot, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.

Step 2

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a large casserole dish.

Step 3

Place the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, and cook until evenly brown. Drain grease. Mix in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and sloppy joe seasoning. Reduce heat to low, and simmer 10 minutes.

Step 4

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Stir in the onion, and cook until tender. Mix in flour, mustard, salt, and pepper. In a bowl, mix the half and half and Worcestershire sauce. Gradually whisk half and half mixture into the pot. Bring to a boil, and cook 1 minute, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat. Mix in 3 cups of cheese. Stir cooked pasta into the pot, evenly coating with the sauce. Transfer to the casserole dish. Layer with the beef mixture and top with remaining cheese.

Step 5

Cover, and bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove cover, and continue baking 10 minutes, until bubbly.