Here’s a detailed recipe + FAQs for a cheesy, hearty 🥪🧀 Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Sandwich:
🥪🧀 Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients:
For the Sloppy Joe filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce or ketchup
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For the grilled cheese:
- 8 slices of bread (white, sourdough, or Texas toast)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar (or a mix of cheddar & mozzarella)
- 4 tbsp butter (softened)
Instructions:
- Cook the Sloppy Joe filling:
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened.
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire, brown sugar, mustard, and seasonings. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
- Assemble sandwiches:
- Butter one side of each bread slice.
- Place a slice (butter-side down) on a skillet, layer with shredded cheese, spoon some sloppy joe filling on top, add more cheese, then cover with another slice of bread (butter-side up).
- Grill:
- Cook on medium-low heat until bread is golden brown and cheese is fully melted (about 3–4 minutes per side).
- Press gently with a spatula for even toasting.
- Serve:
- Slice in half and enjoy warm, melty, and sloppy!
❓ Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the sloppy joe filling in advance (up to 3 days). Reheat before assembling the sandwiches.
Q: What bread works best?
A: Thick, sturdy bread like sourdough, Texas toast, or brioche holds the filling without falling apart.
Q: Can I make it spicier?
A: Add chili flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the sloppy joe mixture.
Q: Can I use cheese slices instead of shredded?
A: Absolutely! American cheese slices or provolone melt beautifully and give that classic gooey texture.
Q: How do I keep it from getting soggy?
A: Simmer the filling until thick, don’t overload the sandwich, and grill on medium heat so bread crisps up while cheese melts.
Q: Can this be made vegetarian?
A: Yes, use plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils/mushrooms instead of beef.
Q: What goes well with this sandwich?
A: Fries, tater tots, a side salad, or pickles balance the richness.
Would you like me to also give you a fun twist version (like a Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese casserole bake for a crowd), or keep it just as sandwiches?