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Makeover Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese Recipe

Makeover Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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Decreasing the butter and replacing the half-and-half with milk helped cut a whopping 658 calories and more than half the fat from this casserole. Even though the cholesterol was reduced by 75% and the sodium by 40%, Makeover Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese offers all the heart-warming comfort of the original submission.

This recipe is:

Healthy

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Makeover Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese Recipe

Prep: 1 hour Bake: 30 min.

Yield: 13 Servings

60 30 90

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
3/4 pound lean ground turkey
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup shredded carrot
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1/2 cup water
1 envelope sloppy joe mix
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground mustard
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 cups 2% milk
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
8 ounces reduced-fat process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Directions

Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, cook the turkey, celery and carrot over medium heat until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are tender; drain. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, water 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, mustard, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat. Stir in the process cheese until melted. Add macaroni and 1 cup cheddar cheese; mix well.
Spread two-thirds of the macaroni mixture in a 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Spread turkey mixture to within 2 in. of edges. Spoon remaining macaroni mixture around edges of pan. Cover and bake at 375° for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese. Cover and let stand until cheese is melted. Yield: 10 servings.

Nutritional Analysis: 1-1/3 cups equals 459 calories, 16 g fat (9 g saturated fat), 71 mg cholesterol, 1,140 mg sodium, 54 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 26 g protein.

Originally published as Makeover Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese in Light & Tasty August/September 2005, p9

Shred and Freeze Cheese

It’s usually cheaper to buy cheese in blocks than in shredded form. So I purchase large quantities of cheddar, Monterey Jack and mozzarella, then shred them myself in my food processor. I store the shredded cheese in the freezer in heavy-duty resealable plastic bags, so I have it at my fingertips whenever it’s needed. —Evelyn O., Parma, Ohio

Full-Bodied White Wine

Enjoy this recipe with a full-bodied white wine such as Chardonnay or Viognier.

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Reviews for Makeover Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese

Makeover Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese

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Reviewed on May. 03, 2013 by Joscy

Since I have insulin dep. diabetes, this dish sounds like it may work well for my needs. Thank You for sharing.

Reviewed on Jan. 17, 2013 by CMChapman

I just made this tonight and it was SO good. I had to make some adjustments for my diet, since I have to eat gluten-free. I substituted rice for the pasta and beans for the meat. I will definitely make this again. My family loved it!!

Reviewed on Jan. 10, 2013 by niagaracat

Makes lots. I added a full pound of meat.

Reviewed on Apr. 29, 2012 by hlillis

My family really enjoyed this dish. It was very rich. The next time I make it I'll add more meat & less cheese.

Reviewed on Mar. 19, 2012 by thewife06

It's missign something that I can't put my finger on, but yummy none the less! Perfect comfort food. The recipe is very large, so I split it into two 9X9 dishes. One for dinner tonight, one in the freezer for a night when I don't want to cook. :)

My husband says: Perfect comfort food!

Reviewed on Sep. 21, 2011 by SaraJoy

This recipe was okay but I don't feel it's worth all the prep. and clean up. It is a good diet "comfort food" but it's nothing special.

Reviewed on Jul. 12, 2011 by Nellstrum

I used beef instead, and halved the amount of mac, milk,and cheddar, just because there is only two of us. the rest of the recipe I kept the same. I'm making this my new mac and cheese. Sooooo much flavour. As suggested in the magazine I will also try replacing the sloppy joe mix with taco seasoning. Dorothy I thank you.

Reviewed on Oct. 26, 2009 by mom23kids

I used ground chicken instead of Turkey and also 1% milk. Most delicious

Reviewed on May. 27, 2009 by akglmu

Made this without carrots because I didn't have any and used fat free milk. It turned out AMAZING! Great flavor and I agree that it is very creamy and filling. Definitely a recipe for that I will be making again and again!

Reviewed on Jan. 12, 2009 by Wilberst

I made this for dinner tonight. It was VERY rich and creamy and VERY filling. I can't imagine making/eating the full fat version- 72 grams of fat per serving according to the non makeover recipe! I enjoyed it, but might try and make it again and not make as much, or even try to lighten it up even more.