Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes Recipe

Craving something that blends the cheesy goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich with the savory, saucy satisfaction of sloppy joes? Look no further! Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes are a match made in comfort food heaven. This dish takes the classic sloppy joe filling and sandwiches it between two buttery, grilled-to-perfection slices of bread loaded with melted cheese. It’s easy, messy, and absolutely delicious. So, grab your skillet, and let’s make this indulgent meal that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike!

this Recipes

What Are Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes?

Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes are a delicious mashup of two beloved comfort foods—grilled cheese and sloppy joes. On one hand, you have the gooey, crispy, golden grilled cheese sandwich, and on the other, the rich, savory, and slightly tangy sloppy joe filling. Combining these two into one dish results in a messy, cheesy, flavor-packed sandwich that is as satisfying as it is easy to make. Whether you're planning a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal, Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes will quickly become a family favorite!

Ingredients List for Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes

To make this scrumptious recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Ground Beef: 1 pound of lean ground beef (you can also use ground turkey for a lighter option).
• Onion: 1 small onion, finely diced for added flavor and texture.
• Garlic: 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
• Ketchup: ½ cup of ketchup for the sloppy joe sauce base.
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons of tomato paste for depth of flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon to add a rich, savory kick.
• Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to balance the tanginess with a touch of sweetness.
• Mustard: 1 teaspoon of yellow mustard or Dijon mustard for some zing.
• Salt & Pepper: To season the filling to taste.
• Butter: 4 tablespoons of butter for grilling the sandwiches.
• Cheddar Cheese: 8 slices of sharp cheddar cheese (or any cheese you prefer).
• Bread: 8 slices of your favorite bread (white, sourdough, or whole wheat work well).
• Optional Add-ins: Pickles, extra onions, or jalapeños for added flavor and crunch.

Substitutions and Variations for Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes

This recipe is very versatile, and there are several ways you can customize it based on your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

• Ground Meat: If you want to cut down on fat or calories, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. For a vegetarian version, substitute with plant-based ground meat or even lentils.
• Cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even spicy pepper jack for an added kick.
• Bread: Choose a bread that you love—whether it’s classic white bread, hearty sourdough, or even a brioche bun. You can also use gluten-free bread if needed.
• Sauce: Add some hot sauce or sriracha if you want a spicy version of sloppy joes. You can also substitute BBQ sauce for ketchup to give it a smoky flavor.
• Vegetables: Add some finely diced bell peppers or mushrooms into the meat mixture for added texture and nutrition.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps for perfectly gooey and savory Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes:

1. Cook the Sloppy Joe Filling
   In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté the diced onions for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
   Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Prepare the Sloppy Joe Sauce
   Once the beef is browned, stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it simmer on low heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Prepare the Bread for Grilling
   While the sloppy joe filling simmers, butter one side of each slice of bread generously. Make sure to cover the entire surface so that it grills evenly and becomes crispy.
5. Assemble the Sandwich
   For each sandwich, place a slice of cheese on the unbuttered side of one bread slice, then spoon a generous portion of the sloppy joe mixture on top. Add another slice of cheese over the meat and place a second piece of bread on top, butter-side up.
6. Grill the Sandwich
   Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Carefully place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet and cook until the bread is golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Press down slightly with a spatula to help the cheese melt evenly.
7. Serve
   Once both sides are crispy and golden, and the cheese is melted, remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool slightly. Slice each sandwich in half and serve hot.

How to Cook Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. The Sloppy Joe Filling
The key to a great sloppy joe is a well-seasoned, saucy filling. Browning the ground beef with onions and garlic is the first step, followed by mixing in a blend of ketchup, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce to create that tangy, savory flavor. Be sure to let the mixture simmer long enough for the flavors to meld together. You want a sauce that's thick but still a little messy, so it soaks into the bread without making it soggy.

2. The Perfect Grilled Cheese
Achieving the ideal grilled cheese means starting with well-buttered bread. The butter ensures that your sandwich crisps up beautifully on the outside while staying soft and gooey on the inside. Cook the sandwich over medium heat, not too high, so the cheese melts at the same rate that the bread crisps. Press down on the sandwich with a spatula to help the cheese and meat filling meld together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes

• Using High Heat: Grilling the sandwich at too high of a temperature can result in burnt bread and unmelted cheese. Keep the heat at medium or medium-low to ensure even cooking.
• Soggy Bread: Too much sloppy joe sauce or overly moist filling can make the bread soggy. Simmer the sloppy joe mixture until it's thick and be careful not to overload the sandwich.
• Skipping the Butter: Butter is essential for that golden, crispy crust. Don’t skimp on it, and be sure to butter the bread generously.
• Overstuffing: While you might be tempted to pile on the sloppy joe filling, too much can make it hard to eat and cause the sandwich to fall apart.

Serving and Presentation Tips for Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes

These sandwiches are best served fresh off the skillet, but you can elevate their presentation with a few simple touches:

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro on top of the sandwiches adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve with Pickles: A side of pickles can cut through the richness of the cheese and sloppy joe filling, providing a nice contrast.
• Pair with Chips or Fries: For the ultimate comfort meal, serve your Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes with a side of crispy fries or chips.
• Offer Dipping Sauces: A small bowl of ketchup, mustard, or even ranch dressing on the side is a fun way to enhance the flavor.

How to Serve Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes

Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes are hearty and flavorful on their own, but here are some ideas for serving them with side dishes to make a complete meal:

• Classic Potato Chips: Keep it simple with a side of crunchy potato chips.
• French Fries or Tater Tots: Golden, crispy fries or tots are always a perfect match.
• Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw adds a cool, refreshing element to balance the richness of the sandwich.
• Tomato Soup: Pair with a warm bowl of tomato soup for a classic combo that never fails.

Presentation Ideas for Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes

• Rustic Style: Serve the sandwiches on a wooden cutting board with a side of fries and dipping sauces in small bowls.
• Family Style: Cut the sandwiches in halves or quarters and arrange them on a platter for easy sharing at the dinner table or during a casual gathering.
• Kid-Friendly: For kids, cut the sandwiches into fun shapes or smaller, bite-sized portions to make it easier (and more fun) to eat.

Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joe Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead Tip: You can make the sloppy joe filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it when you're ready to assemble the sandwiches.
• Freeze for Later: The sloppy joe filling freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before using.
• Extra Cheese Layer: For the ultimate cheese pull, add an extra slice of cheese to each sandwich.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the sloppy joe filling in advance and refrigerate it. When you're ready to eat, just assemble and grill the sandwiches.

What cheese works best for Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes?
Cheddar is a popular choice because it melts well and has a strong flavor, but you can use any cheese that melts easily, like mozzarella, provolone, or American cheese.

Can I freeze leftovers?
You can freeze the sloppy joe filling, but it’s best to make the grilled cheese fresh. The bread will lose its crispness if frozen after grilling.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free bread and check that your ketchup and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes are a delightful twist on two classic comfort foods. The combination of a crispy, buttery grilled cheese sandwich filled with savory, saucy sloppy joe meat makes for an indulgent, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, fun to eat, and sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Try this recipe today and enjoy a cheesy, flavorful twist on a classic favorite!

Print