Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese

SUBMITTED BY: Dorothy Leone

"Combining two mealtime classics into this casserole was a success for Dorothy Leone. Sloppy Joe Macaroni and Cheese is a hit in her Meredith, New Hampshire home. My grandchildren love it, she says. It's so versatile, too. Instead of the sloppy joe mix, I sometimes add taco seasoning, and I've also experimented with the other ingredients. But I do hope you can lighten it up a bit.'"

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PREP TIME	45 Min
COOK TIME	35 Min
READY IN	1 Hr 20 Min

SERVINGS

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Servings
USMETRIC

INGREDIENTS

1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
1 pound lean ground beef
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 (1.3 ounce) envelope Sloppy Joe seasoning mix
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 cups half-and-half cream
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided

DIRECTIONS

Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste and sloppy joe mix. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Drain macaroni; set aside. In a large saucepan, saute onion in butter until tender. Stir in the flour, salt, mustard and pepper until smooth. Gradually add cream and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat. Stir in 3 cups cheese until melted. Add macaroni; mix well.
Spread two-thirds of the macaroni mixture in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Spread beef mixture to within 2 in. of edges. Spoon remaining macaroni mixture around edges. Cover and bake at 375 degrees F for 30 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake 5-6 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

FOOTNOTE

Nutritional Analysis: 1-1/3 cups equals 1,117 calories, 72 g fat (51 g saturated fat), 280 mg cholesterol, 1,901 mg sodium, 54 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 60 g protein.