Description
Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes combine the classic messy and flavorful sloppy joe filling with the melty, crispy goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich. Ground beef simmered in a tangy tomato sauce with onions and spices is layered between slices of buttered bread and cheddar cheese, then toasted to golden perfection for a satisfying and comforting meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
- 8 slices sandwich bread
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the finely chopped onion, green bell pepper if using, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
- Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce: Stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar if using. Mix well and simmer the mixture over medium-low heat for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens into a flavorful sloppy joe filling. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Prepare the Sandwiches: Butter one side of each slice of sandwich bread. On the unbuttered side of 4 slices, evenly sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar cheese, then spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture over the cheese. Top the filling with another layer of shredded cheese for extra melty goodness. Cover with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches on the hot surface and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing slightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese inside has melted completely.
- Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the pan, slice them in half if desired, and serve hot. These are delicious on their own or accompanied by pickles, coleslaw, or a bowl of tomato soup for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can mix cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack with cheddar for extra flavor and creaminess.
- For a crispier crust, try spreading mayonnaise instead of butter on the bread before grilling.
- Serve with pickles, coleslaw, or tomato soup to complement the rich flavors and make a complete meal.
- Leftover sloppy joe mixture can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated for quick sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
