If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food mashup, look no further than this Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese. This delicious creation combines two beloved classics into one mind-blowing sandwich that’s sure to satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
I created this recipe on a chilly weeknight when I couldn’t decide between making sloppy joes or grilled cheese for my family. The savory, slightly sweet sloppy joe filling pairs perfectly with the golden, buttery crunch of grilled cheese bread and the gooey melted cheese brings everything together in perfect harmony.
Why You’ll Love This
- It’s the perfect solution for using up leftover sloppy joe meat
- Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish
- Kid-friendly but sophisticated enough for adults too
- The perfect balance of savory, sweet, and cheesy flavors
- Easily customizable with different cheeses or bread options
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons beef bouillon powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 12 slices Texas toast bread
- 12 slices cheese (American or cheddar)
- Mayonnaise for spreading
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and ground beef, seasoning with beef bouillon powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking up the meat, until no pink remains and onions are softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30-45 seconds until fragrant. Drain off excess grease from the skillet to prevent the mixture from being too oily.
- Add tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar to the beef mixture. Stir everything together until well combined and bring to a gentle simmer over low-medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Heat a separate skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one side of each piece of Texas toast – this will be the outside of your sandwiches.
- Place 6 slices of bread mayo-side down in the skillet. Top each with a slice of cheese, then add a generous scoop of the sloppy joe mixture (about ⅓ cup per sandwich).
- Add another slice of cheese on top of the sloppy joe mixture, then top with the remaining bread slices, mayo-side up. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 1-2 minutes before cutting. Cut diagonally and serve immediately while the cheese is still gooey and the filling is hot.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sloppy joe mixture
- Try different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone
- Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter option
- Make the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 3 days for quick assembly
- Use Texas toast or brioche for an even more decadent sandwich
- Add a slice of tomato or some pickles between the cheese layers for extra flavor
Serving Suggestions
These hearty sandwiches are practically a meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with classic sides like potato chips, french fries, or a simple green salad. For the ultimate comfort food experience, serve with a bowl of tomato soup for dipping.
If you’re serving a crowd, cut the sandwiches into quarters and arrange on a platter for easy grabbing. A pickle spear on the side adds the perfect tangy contrast to the rich sandwich.
Notes
- Store any leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- For the perfect grilled cheese, cook low and slow to ensure the cheese melts completely without burning the bread
- If making for a crowd, keep finished sandwiches warm in a 200°F oven until ready to serve
- For a less messy eating experience, let the sandwiches rest for 2-3 minutes before cutting
FAQs
Can I make this with leftover sloppy joe mix?
Absolutely! This is a great way to repurpose leftover sloppy joe mixture. Just reheat it slightly before assembling your sandwiches.
How do I prevent my sandwich from getting soggy?
Make sure your sloppy joe mixture has thickened properly and isn’t too runny. Also, placing cheese on both sides of the meat creates a barrier that helps keep the bread crisp.
Can I freeze these sandwiches?
While you can freeze the sloppy joe mixture, I don’t recommend freezing the assembled sandwiches as they won’t reheat well.
What’s the best bread to use?
Sourdough works great because it’s sturdy and has good flavor, but any bread that can stand up to grilling works well. Texas toast, brioche, or a hearty white bread are all excellent options.
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