Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes

Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes

Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes combine the bold, tangy flavors of classic sloppy joe meat with the irresistible melty goodness of grilled cheese sandwiches, perfectly toasted for a juicy, cheesy, and savory dinner that’s quick and family-friendly.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Sloppy Joe Filling

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce or ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp brown sugar (optional)

Sandwich Assembly

  • 8 slices sturdy white or sourdough bread
  • 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • Butter, softened (for spreading on bread)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until tender and fragrant. Stir in tomato sauce or ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar if using. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors and thicken slightly.
  2. Butter the Bread and Assemble: Spread softened butter generously on one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side, layer a slice of cheddar cheese, then spoon a generous amount of sloppy joe filling on top. Add another slice of cheese on top of the meat, then close the sandwich with another bread slice, buttered side facing out.
  3. Grill to Golden Perfection: Preheat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese inside has melted to gooey perfection. Press gently with a spatula to ensure even grilling and melting.
  4. Serve and Enjoy: Remove from heat, let the sandwiches cool slightly to avoid burns, then slice and serve immediately for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter to spread evenly on the bread for an even golden crust.
  • Don’t overload the filling to avoid soggy sandwiches and difficulty flipping.
  • Cook on medium or medium-low heat to allow the cheese to melt fully without burning the bread.
  • Press the sandwich lightly with a spatula to meld the ingredients without smashing the sandwich.
  • Use fresh bread for best texture; day-old or stale bread may crumble or absorb too much moisture.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free bread and certified sauces)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: grilled cheese, sloppy joes, comfort food, quick dinner, family-friendly