There’s something about the combination of gooey cheese and rich, savory beef that just hits the spot after a long day. This Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese takes that familiar, beloved sloppy joe filling and wraps it in buttery toasted bread with layers of melted cheddar. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug on a plate.
I remember the first time I made this sandwich. The sizzle of butter in the pan filled the kitchen with a cozy warmth, and the smell of onions and peppers softening made my mouth water. When I flipped the sandwich, the golden crust crackled under the spatula, and the cheese started oozing out just right. Sitting down with that first bite—the contrast of crunchy bread, savory filling, and melty cheese—it felt like a simple escape from a busy day. It’s the kind of recipe you want to save for nights when you need a little extra comfort or an easy crowd-pleaser that everyone will reach for again and again.
- Combines two classic comfort foods into one satisfying sandwich
- Rich and flavorful sloppy joe filling balanced perfectly with melted cheddar
- Quick to prepare—ready in under 30 minutes
- Buttery toasted bread adds a crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the filling
- Great for a cozy dinner or a fun weekend lunch
If you’re a little wary of messy sandwiches, don’t worry—pressing gently while cooking helps keep everything neatly inside. Plus, leftovers reheat well, so you can enjoy this delicious recipe even the next day.
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Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
Description
A delicious twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, featuring savory sloppy joe filling melted between slices of buttery toasted bread.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 cup tomato sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8 slices white sandwich bread
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
8 slices cheddar cheese
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and green bell pepper; sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add ground beef to the skillet; cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes.
Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove from heat.
Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Butter one side of each slice of bread.
Place 4 slices of bread, buttered side down, on the skillet.
Layer each slice with 2 slices of cheddar cheese, then evenly spoon the sloppy joe mixture over the cheese.
Top the sloppy joe mixture with another 2 slices of cheddar cheese on each sandwich.
Place the remaining 4 slices of bread on top, buttered side up.
Cook the sandwiches for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Remove sandwiches from skillet, let cool for 1 minute, then slice in half and serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
FAQ
Can I make this sandwich vegetarian? While the original uses ground beef, swapping in plant-based meat or lentils works well to keep the same hearty texture.
What’s the best cheese to use? Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds a nice tang, but feel free to experiment with your favorites like Monterey Jack or a blend.
Can I prepare the sloppy joe filling in advance? Absolutely. The filling keeps in the fridge for up to three days, making it easy to assemble sandwiches when you’re ready.
How do I avoid soggy bread? Buttering the bread and cooking over medium heat helps create a crisp crust that holds up to the filling.
Give this sandwich a try next time your taste buds crave something warm, cheesy, and satisfying. It’s a delicious recipe that turns simple ingredients into pure comfort.