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30-Minute Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese (One-Skillet)

This easy, weeknight Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese recipe is the best comfort food dish that the whole family will love! It's beefy, cheesy and incredibly simple to make in just one skillet. This dish is ready in 30 minutes and reheats fantastic for an awesome meal prep option. 

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 7 servings
Calories: 390 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. lean ground beef I used 96/4
  • 1/2 medium onion, diced (120g)
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced (120g)
  • 1 (10-oz.) can diced tomatoes drained
  • 1 (8-oz.) can tomato paste
  • 1 (1.3-oz.) packet sloppy joe seasoning mix I used McCormick
  • 8 oz. dry elbow noodles
  • 3 cups chicken or beef broth or water
  • 8 oz. low fat cream cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese (112g)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and set to medium heat. Add the beef and cook, crumbling as you go for 3-4 minutes or until mostly browned. Then add the diced onions and peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes or until tender. 
  2. Add the sloppy joe seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato paste and broth. Allow liquid to boil then stir in the pasta and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Simmer until most (but not all) of the liquid has evaporated.
  3. Stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheese and until creamy and melted.
  4. Serve with freshly cracked black pepper, red pepper flakes, more cheese if desired and enjoy!

Notes

  • TIP: Make sure to simmer the pasta until most of the liquid as evaporated. Reserving just a bit of liquid will help create a creamy cheese sauce once the cream cheese and shredded cheese is added. If cheese is not blending smoothly, just add a tiny bit of liquid to create smooth cheese sauce. 
  • To store: store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
  • To reheat: sprinkle just a couple drops of water on top of pasta and place a damp paper towel over the glass container. This will help the pasta noodles to not dry out. Microwave in 30 seconds increments, stirring in between, until pasta is fully heated through. Amount of time needed to reheat will depend on microwave temperature and power.
  • To make this dish dairy-free: use dairy-free cream cheese and dairy-free shredded cheddar cheese. 
  • To make this dish gluten-free: use gluten-free pasta noodles.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1.5 cups (300g) Calories 390kcal (20%) Carbohydrates 40g (13%) Protein 26g (52%) Fat 14g (22%) Saturated Fat 6.9g (35%) Fiber 3.2g (13%) Sugar 11.3g (23%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 7servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 390

% Daily Value*

Serving 1.5 cups (300g)
Calories 390kcal 20%
Carbohydrates 40g 13%
Protein 26g 52%
Fat 14g 22%
Saturated Fat 6.9g 35%
Fiber 3.2g 13%
Sugar 11.3g 23%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.