Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese
What happens when you combine two classic sandwiches - a grilled cheese and a Sloppy Joe? You get the best of both worlds, and my wife's new favorite way to eat homemade Sloppy Joes - the Sloppy Joe grilled cheese! Here's how to make this easy weeknight sandwich that the whole family will love!
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup sweet onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tablespoon oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sandwiches:
- 8 slices bread brioche, sourdough, Texas toast, etc.
- 4 tablespoons butter softened
- 8 slices American cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Add about ½ tablespoon oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Add the tomato paste to the center of the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes before stirring it into the beef.
- Add the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce heat and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. Place four slices of bread, butter-side down, in a large skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. Top each slice with about ¼ cup shredded cheddar and one slice of American cheese.
- Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture onto the cheese on each slice of bread. Place another slice of American cheese over the meat mixture. Top with the remaining slices of bread.
- Grill for 3-5 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Work in batches if needed.
- Remove from the skillet, cut in half, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or provolone.
- Add-ins: Enhance your sandwiches with dill pickles, jalapeños, or coleslaw.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with potato chips, french fries, or a side salad.
- Leftovers: Store leftover Sloppy Joe mixture and grilled cheese sandwiches separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the Sloppy Joe mixture in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave. Reheat grilled cheese sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat or in a toaster oven until warmed through and the cheese is melted.