Sloppy Joe and Mac Skillet

 

Sloppy Joe and Mac Skillet is the perfect family meal.. great for weeknights... one skillet... done in under a half hour... so delicious you can watch the family devour it...

TIPS

Use extremely lean ground beef and you won't have to drain the meat.

The water may cook down faster than the macaroni cooks... depending on how hard a simmer you have.. just add a bit more if it gets down too low.

I essentially cook the Sloppy Joes, add uncooked macaroni and water and cook it until the macaroni is done.. but ... in my opinion it dilutes the sauce a bit... so as it's finishing up... I mix together a little more sauce... and just as the macaroni is done.. I add the additional sauce.

No salt is added to this recipe.. ketchup has more than enough salt in it.. you really don't need to add more.

I top it with some shredded cheese.. it's optional.. but it really does add a nice flavor... you can use any cheese you prefer... cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack and Mexican blend all work well.

The shredded cheese quantity is approximate... use as little or as much as you prefer.

Hope you try this terrific skillet meal!

Recipe:  Sloppy Joe and Mac Skillet

All you need:

1 1/2 pounds very lean ground beef

1 small onion, diced

1/4 cup red or green pepper, diced

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon yellow mustard

1 cup ketchup

3 teaspoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

1 1/2 cups water

About 1/2 cup of shredded cheese *See TIPS

For the additional sauce:

1/2 cup ketchup

1 teaspoon brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

All you need to do:

In a large skillet over medium high heat, brown the ground beef.  Sprinkle the meat with the garlic powder.  Add the diced pepper and onion and cook for about 3 minutes until they are slightly soft.  Add the ketchup, mustard, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce and stir well.  Add the macaroni and water.  Cover cook at a simmer.  Stir occasionally.

Cook until the macaroni is fully cooked (about 12 minutes)... add additional water as necessary... if you do add water .. add only a 1/4 cup at first... you probably won't need any more than that if you need any more at all.

When the macaroni is cooked... mix the additional sauce ingredients in a small bowl... and then add it to the skillet.  Mix well.  Lower the heat to medium and sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.  Replace place the lid.  Cook until the cheese is melted.

Serve immediately.