If comfort food had a hall of fame, Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese would have its own shiny plaque probably with some sauce drips on it (because… fitting). This brilliant fusion combines two childhood classics into one gloriously messy, cheesy, savory masterpiece. It’s like your tastebuds get front-row seats to the greatest mash-up concert ever: Sloppy Joe’s meaty, sweet-tangy filling meets the melty, golden perfection of a grilled cheese sandwich.
Perfect for lazy weekends, movie nights, or when you just need a little edible hug.
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
1/2 green bell pepper, finely diced
1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter twist)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Grilled Cheese:
8 slices of hearty bread (think sourdough or Texas toast)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix like cheddar and mozzarella)
4 tablespoons butter, softened
Directions
Make the Sloppy Joe filling:
In a large skillet set over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onion and bell pepper, cooking and stirring occasionally until they become tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and sauté for an additional minute.Brown the meat:
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until it’s nicely browned. Drain excess fat if needed.Sauce it up:
Stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and mustard. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until thick and saucy. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.Assemble the sandwiches:
Butter one side of each bread slice. Place 4 slices, butter side down, on a clean surface. Layer with shredded cheese, a generous scoop of Sloppy Joe mixture, more cheese (because why not?), and top with the second slice of bread, butter side up.Grill to perfection:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Grill sandwiches 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. Warning: Your kitchen will smell like a 5-star comfort food diner.
Tips for the Best Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese
Don’t overfill! (Or do if you love chaos.) A little less Sloppy Joe filling makes for easier flipping.
Low and slow wins the race. Grill on medium-low heat to give the cheese time to melt without burning the bread.
Choose sturdy bread. Flimsy slices won’t hold up under all that glorious mess.
Mix up the cheese. Add a slice of pepper jack for a little kick or gouda for extra richness.
Make it ahead! The Sloppy Joe filling can be made 2-3 days in advance. Just reheat when ready to assemble.
Conclusion:
Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese isn’t just food it’s a whole vibe. It’s that messy, ooey-gooey, unapologetically indulgent meal that will make you close your eyes and sigh with happiness after the first bite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your kids, or your roommates who claim they “don’t really like sandwiches” (they’re lying), this recipe delivers 100% satisfaction.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Swap the beef for plant-based crumbles or even lentils for a hearty, vegetarian version.
Q: What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
A: Cheddar is the MVP, but mixing in mozzarella, provolone, or even a spicy pepper jack can take it to another level.
Q: Can I freeze Sloppy Joe filling?
A: Yes! Cool it completely, pack it into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before using.
Q: How can I keep the sandwich from becoming soggy?
A: Make sure the Sloppy Joe filling isn’t too watery. Simmer it well to thicken and cool slightly before assembling.
Q: Is it messy?
A: Uh, the word “sloppy” is right there in the title. Embrace it! Napkins (plural) highly recommended.
Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Imagine the juicy, sweet-and-savory goodness of a sloppy joe tucked inside the golden, crispy embrace of buttery grilled cheese. Every bite is a little messy, insanely cheesy, and downright irresistible. Perfect for casual dinners, late-night cravings, or when your soul needs a hug made out of food.
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup (120 ml) ketchup
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup water
8 slices of bread (white, sourdough, or your favorite)
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella.
4 tablespoons butter, softened
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add diced onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Create the sauce: Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Add a splash of water.
- Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove from heat.
- Butter up: Spread butter on one side of each bread slice.
- Build the deliciousness: Start by layering the unbuttered side of the bread with a hearty sprinkle of cheese. Add a scoop of the sloppy joe mixture, followed by another generous handful of cheese. Finish it off with a second slice of bread, making sure the buttered side is facing out.
- Grill it: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches down and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
- Rest & Serve: Let sandwiches rest for a minute before slicing (to avoid cheese lava burns). Serve hot!
Notes
- Cheese choice: Feel free to get fancy — pepper jack, gouda, or even a little Swiss can jazz things up.
- Make-ahead tip: You can prepare the sloppy joe mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.
- Customize it: Add a few jalapeño slices, crispy bacon, or even a fried egg if you’re feeling wild.
- Mess level: High. Napkin count: infinite. Dignity: optional but recommended.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 680 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 1050 mg
- Fat: 41 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg