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.

this Recipe

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.

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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