What happens when two of the best comfort foods—Sloppy Joes and grilled cheese—come together? Pure magic! This Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese takes all the sweet and savory goodness of Sloppy Joes and sandwiches it between buttery, toasted bread with gooey melted cheese. It’s a messy, delicious, and satisfying meal that will quickly become a family favorite. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or game-day snacking, this sandwich is indulgent, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make!
Why This Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese is a Must-Try
- Two Comfort Foods in One: Combines the sweet-savory flavors of Sloppy Joes with the gooey goodness of grilled cheese.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love it, and adults can’t resist it!
- Customizable: Use your favorite cheeses or spice it up with jalapeños.
- Perfect Anytime: Great for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack.
Ingredients
- 500g / 1.1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 slices of bread (sourdough, white, or your favorite)
- 1 ½ cups (165g / 0.36 lb) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
Directions
- Cook the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat. - Add Seasonings and Sauce:
Stir in the garlic, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat. - Assemble the Sandwiches:
Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place the buttered side down on a flat surface. Top half the slices with a generous spoonful of the Sloppy Joe mixture, followed by a sprinkle of cheese. Top with another slice of bread, buttered side facing up. - Grill the Sandwiches:
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the sandwiches for 2-3 minutes on each side, pressing down gently, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. - Serve and Enjoy:
Slice each sandwich in half and serve warm. Get ready for some messy, cheesy goodness!
Notes
- Cheese Options: Sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or a mozzarella blend work great.
- Storage Tip: Store any leftover Sloppy Joe filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Make It Spicy: Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based ground beef and vegan cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes! The Sloppy Joe filling can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just reheat before assembling the sandwiches.
What bread works best for this recipe?
Sourdough, Texas toast, or any sturdy bread works well. Avoid soft bread that might get too soggy.
Can I use a sandwich press or panini maker?
Absolutely! A panini press will make these sandwiches even crispier and easier to grill.
Can I freeze the Sloppy Joe filling?
Yes, you can freeze the filling in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat when ready to use.
What other toppings can I add?
Feel free to add pickles, sautéed onions, or sliced tomatoes for extra flavor.
Tips and Notes
- My Tip: If you like extra crispy bread, spread mayonnaise instead of butter on the outside of the bread—it crisps up beautifully!
- Pro Trick: Cover the pan with a lid for a minute while grilling to help the cheese melt faster.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with fries, a side salad, or a bowl of tomato soup for a complete meal.
Variations
There are plenty of ways to switch things up with this sandwich! Here are some ideas to try:
- BBQ Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese: Swap the ketchup for BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
- Breakfast Twist: Add a fried egg and some crispy bacon for a hearty breakfast sandwich.
- Philly Cheesesteak Style: Use provolone cheese and sautéed peppers for a Philly-inspired twist.
- Tex-Mex Version: Add taco seasoning to the filling and use pepper jack cheese.
- Pizza-Inspired: Mix in marinara sauce and top with mozzarella and pepperoni slices.
Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese
This Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese combines the classic flavors of Sloppy Joe filling with melty cheese inside crispy, buttery bread. Perfect for an indulgent lunch or dinner, this sandwich adds a new twist to two comfort food favorites. It’s easy to make and packed with savory goodness in every bite!Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Filling
- 1 lb 0.45 kg ground beef
- 1 small onion 0.25 lb, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup 0.12 lb ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- 8 slices sandwich bread
- 1 ½ cups 0.4 lb shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons 0.1 lb butter, softened
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Sloppy Joe Filling
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 3–4 more minutes until softened.
- Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
- Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Place a slice of bread, butter-side down, on a skillet or griddle. Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese over the bread.
- Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the Sloppy Joe filling on top of the cheese.
- Add another layer of cheese on top of the filling, followed by another slice of bread, butter-side up.
Step 3: Cook the Sandwiches
- Heat the skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook each sandwich for 3–4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Press gently with a spatula while cooking to help the sandwich hold together.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, let them cool slightly, and slice them in half. Serve warm with chips or a side salad.
Notes
- Substitutions: Use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier option.
- Extra Flavor: Add pickles, mustard, or hot sauce to the filling for a kick.
- Storage: Store leftover Sloppy Joe filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Serving Tip: Serve with fries, coleslaw, or a side of pickles for the perfect meal.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
