If you love grilled cheese sandwiches and sloppy joes, why not combine them into one epic meal? This Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes recipe brings together two classic comfort foods for a rich, cheesy, and messy sandwich that’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. The juicy, flavorful sloppy joe filling is sandwiched between two slices of golden, buttery grilled cheese, making for an indulgent and satisfying dinner. Keep reading for the step-by-step instructions, variations, and helpful tips to make this amazing dish.
What Are Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes?
Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes are a mashup of two all-time favorites: sloppy joes and grilled cheese sandwiches. In this recipe, a savory, slightly sweet ground beef filling (just like in a classic sloppy joe) is spooned between two slices of crispy, buttery bread that are layered with melty cheese. The result is a comforting, hearty sandwich that’s messy but oh-so-good!
Ingredients List for Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 for the best flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- ¼ cup beef broth or water (optional, for thinning the sauce)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Grilled Cheese:
- 8 slices of bread (white, whole wheat, or sourdough)
- 8 slices of cheddar cheese (or use American, Swiss, or your favorite cheese)
- 4 tablespoons butter (for grilling)
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground Meat Options: You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version.
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar and American cheese are traditional for grilled cheese, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, provolone, or even pepper jack for a little extra flavor.
- Spice It Up: For a spicier twist, add diced jalapeños to the sloppy joe filling or mix in some crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Healthier Option: Use whole wheat bread, lean ground meat, and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version of this indulgent dish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Make the Sloppy Joe Filling
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 6-8 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
- Stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar (if using), mustard, chili powder (if using), and beef broth. Mix everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Let the sloppy joe filling simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the filling from heat and set it aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes
- Butter one side of each slice of bread. You’ll need one slice of cheese for each sandwich, so place a slice of cheese on the unbuttered side of 4 pieces of bread.
- Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the bread with the cheese, spreading it evenly. Top each sandwich with another slice of cheese, then place the other slice of bread on top, buttered side facing out.
Step 3: Grill the Sandwiches
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan, cooking in batches if necessary.
- Cook the sandwiches for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
- Once the sandwiches are cooked, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a minute before slicing in half.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Draining the Beef: Make sure to drain any excess fat after browning the beef. If the filling is too greasy, it will make the sandwiches soggy.
- Overcooking the Filling: Don’t let the sloppy joe mixture dry out. Keep an eye on the sauce as it simmers and add a little extra beef broth or water if it looks too thick.
- Grilling on High Heat: Use medium heat to grill the sandwiches. Too high a temperature will cause the bread to burn before the cheese has a chance to melt.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes
These Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes are a meal in themselves, but they pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve them with crispy fries, potato chips, or a simple green salad. You can also offer pickles or coleslaw on the side for a crunchy, tangy contrast.
Presentation Ideas for Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes
- Cut Diagonally: Slice the sandwiches in half diagonally for a classic grilled cheese presentation. This also makes it easier to enjoy the gooey, cheesy center.
- Add a Side of Dip: Serve these sandwiches with a small bowl of ketchup, ranch dressing, or even sriracha mayo for dipping.
- Top with a Pickle: For a diner-style look, skewer a small pickle or olive on top of each sandwich with a toothpick.
Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes Recipe Tips
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the sloppy joe filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the filling and assemble the sandwiches.
- Extra Cheesy: For even more cheesy goodness, add an extra slice of cheese in the middle of the sandwich for a triple-layered grilled cheese experience.
- Add Veggies: For a bit more texture and nutrition, consider adding finely diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the sloppy joe filling when cooking the onions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to use any cheese you like! Cheddar and American are classic choices, but Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack will all work great in this recipe.
2. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can make the sloppy joe filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to make the sandwiches, reheat the filling and proceed with grilling the sandwiches.
3. What’s the best bread to use?
Any sturdy sandwich bread will work. White bread, whole wheat, sourdough, or even brioche are all great choices. Just make sure the bread is thick enough to hold the filling without becoming too soggy.
4. Can I make this recipe without butter?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use a small amount of olive oil or even cooking spray to grill the sandwiches instead of butter.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Leftover sandwiches can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet or toaster oven for the best texture.
Conclusion
This Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes recipe combines two comfort food classics into one irresistible meal. With its savory sloppy joe filling nestled between layers of melty cheese and crispy, buttery bread, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day, or anytime you’re craving something hearty and cheesy, this recipe is easy to make and customize. Try it today and enjoy the best of both worlds—grilled cheese and sloppy joes in one delicious bite!
PrintGrilled Cheese Sloppy Joes
This grilled cheese sloppy joes recipe combines the classic sloppy joe filling with the irresistible crunch and meltiness of a grilled cheese sandwich. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it's a family-friendly meal that brings two beloved comfort foods together in one
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwich
- Category: Main Course
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Ketchup
- Tomato sauce
- Worcestershire sauce
- Brown sugar
- Mustard
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Butter
- White or cheddar cheese slices
- Sandwich bread
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in ketchup, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
- Butter one side of each bread slice.
- Heat a separate skillet over medium heat. Place a slice of bread (butter-side down) in the skillet, top with cheese, a scoop of sloppy joe filling, and another cheese slice. Cover with a second bread slice (butter-side up).
- Cook until the bread is golden and the cheese has melted, flipping halfway.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use different cheese varieties like provolone or pepper jack for extra flavor.
- For a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken.
- Serve with pickles or a side of coleslaw for a classic pairing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 950mg
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