Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes

Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes take the classic sloppy joe to a whole new level! Imagine the hearty, flavorful filling of a traditional sloppy joe—ground beef in a tangy tomato sauce—sandwiched between two golden, buttery grilled cheese sandwiches. The result is a crispy, melty, and messy masterpiece that’s perfect for a quick dinner or a fun twist on comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Two Classics in One: It’s the best of both worlds—sloppy joes and grilled cheese!
  • Quick & Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
  • Melty & Delicious: The combination of gooey cheese and savory sloppy joe filling is irresistible.
  • Kid-Friendly: A fun and delicious meal that both kids and adults will love.
Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes 10 Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes take the classic sloppy joe to a whole new level! Imagine the hearty, flavorful filling of a traditional sloppy joe—ground beef in a tangy tomato sauce—sandwiched between two golden, buttery grilled cheese sandwiches. The result is a crispy, melty, and messy masterpiece that's perfect for a quick dinner or a fun twist on comfort food.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the sloppy joe filling:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the grilled cheese:

  • 8 slices of bread (white, whole wheat, or sourdough)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 slices of American, cheddar, or your favorite cheese

Directions

  1. Make the sloppy joe filling:
    • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
    • Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened.
    • Stir in the ketchup, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
    • Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and is fully combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  2. Prepare the grilled cheese sandwiches:
    • Butter one side of each slice of bread.
    • Place a slice of cheese on the unbuttered side of 4 slices of bread.
    • Once the sloppy joe filling is ready, carefully spoon it on top of the cheese. Then, top each sandwich with another slice of bread, buttered side out.
  3. Grill the sandwiches:
    • Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
    • Cook each sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted. You may need to adjust the heat to prevent the bread from burning before the cheese melts.
  4. Serve:
    • Cut the sandwiches in half and serve immediately while the cheese is melty and gooey.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Sloppy Joes: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sloppy joe filling for some heat.
  • Veggie Sloppy Joes: Swap the ground beef for lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
  • Cheese Options: Use provolone, pepper jack, or Swiss for different flavors.
  • Mini Sandwiches: Make these into sliders by using smaller buns or mini slices of bread for a fun appetizer or party snack.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover sloppy joe filling and grilled cheese sandwiches in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
  • Freezing: The sloppy joe filling can be frozen for up to 3 months. Assemble the sandwiches fresh when you’re ready to eat.
  • Reheating: Reheat leftover sandwiches in a skillet over low heat to avoid burning the bread while the cheese melts. You can also microwave the filling and make fresh grilled cheese sandwiches.
Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes
Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes 11 Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes take the classic sloppy joe to a whole new level! Imagine the hearty, flavorful filling of a traditional sloppy joe—ground beef in a tangy tomato sauce—sandwiched between two golden, buttery grilled cheese sandwiches. The result is a crispy, melty, and messy masterpiece that's perfect for a quick dinner or a fun twist on comfort food.

FAQs

Can I make the sloppy joe filling ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sloppy joe filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before adding it to your grilled cheese.

Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken will work just as well for a leaner version of this dish.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! You can use any bread you prefer—sourdough, whole wheat, or even gluten-free bread works.

What if I don’t have BBQ sauce?

If you don’t have BBQ sauce, you can substitute it with extra ketchup, or add a bit of vinegar, honey, and spices for a tangy twist.

Can I add vegetables to the sloppy joe filling?

Yes! You can add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even grated carrots for extra veggies and texture in the filling.

Can I use a panini press to grill the sandwiches?

Yes, a panini press works great for grilling these sandwiches and will give them a crispy, even texture.

How do I make this spicier?

Add chili flakes, diced jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture to kick up the heat.

Can I make these into sliders?

Yes! Simply use slider buns or cut the bread into smaller pieces, and you’ll have a fun party-sized version of this dish.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Use plant-based ground meat or even lentils and vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version of this dish.

How do I avoid soggy grilled cheese sandwiches?

Make sure to toast the bread slightly before assembling the sandwich, and avoid overloading with too much sloppy joe filling, which can make the bread soggy.

Conclusion

Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes are a fun, flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Combining the comfort of sloppy joes with the crispy, cheesy goodness of grilled cheese, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or a crowd-pleasing meal. With easy ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a guaranteed hit that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy these cheesy, messy, and utterly delicious sandwiches!

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Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes

Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes

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  • Author: Kim Cooks Easy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes are a fun and delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe! Creamy, cheesy, and savory beef is piled between two buttery, crispy grilled cheese sandwiches for a hearty meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. This dish combines the best of both worlds: a sloppy joe and a grilled cheese sandwich.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • For the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches:
  • 8 slices of bread (preferably thick-cut, like sourdough or white)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 slices American cheese (or your favorite cheese, like cheddar or provolone)

Instructions

  • Step 1: Make the Sloppy Joe Filling
  • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess grease.
  • Add the onion and garlic to the skillet, and cook for an additional 3 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes saucy. Set aside.
  • Step 2: Make the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
  • While the sloppy joe mixture is simmering, butter one side of each slice of bread.
  • Place a slice of cheese on the unbuttered side of four bread slices.
  • Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the bread slices (butter side down) in the skillet. Grill until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes, then flip to the other side and cook until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
  • Step 3: Assemble the Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes
  • Once the grilled cheese sandwiches are done, remove them from the skillet and place them on a cutting board.
  • Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe filling onto one side of each sandwich. Top with the other slice of bread, and press gently to make the sandwich.
  • Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
  • Slice the sandwiches in half and serve hot. Enjoy the cheesy, messy goodness!

Notes

  • Make it spicy: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or jalapeño slices to the sloppy joe mixture for extra heat.
  • Use different cheese: Swap American cheese for cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella for a different flavor.
  • Serve with sides: Pair with fries, chips, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
  • Make ahead: The sloppy joe filling can be made up to a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to assemble the sandwiches.

Nutrition

  • Calories: ~450
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 890mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

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