why make this recipe
This Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese mixes two favorites: sloppy joe filling and a grilled cheese sandwich. It cooks fast, fills you up, and tastes like comfort food. It works well for a quick weeknight meal or a hearty lunch.
introduction
This sandwich uses seasoned ground beef with tomato sauce inside melted cheese and toasted bread. It is simple to make and fun to eat. If you like easy meat-and-cheese dishes, try the Bacon Cheeseburger Loaf for another idea.
how to make Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese
You cook the beef and vegetables, mix in the sauce, then grill the sandwich with cheese until golden brown. Use medium heat so the bread browns and the cheese melts. You can change meats, cheese, or bread to match your taste, or look at a one-pan idea like the Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet for more inspiration.
Ingredients :
- ground beef
- onion, chopped
- bell pepper, chopped
- garlic, minced
- tomato sauce
- Worcestershire sauce
- seasoning (salt, pepper, paprika)
- bread (sourdough or your choice)
- cheese (cheddar or American)
- butter
Directions :
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Heat another skillet on medium heat. Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place one slice butter-side down on the skillet, add cheese, a generous portion of the Sloppy Joe filling, and top with another slice of cheese and bread (butter-side up).
- Grill until golden brown and the cheese melts, flipping halfway through.
- Serve warm and enjoy your Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese!
how to serve Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese
Cut the sandwich in half and serve hot. Good sides are chips, pickles, coleslaw, or tomato soup. A small salad also fits well.
how to store Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese
Cool the sandwich to room temperature before storing. Wrap in foil or place in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to keep the bread crisp. Store leftover Sloppy Joe filling in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
tips to make Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese
- Drain extra fat from the cooked beef to avoid soggy bread.
- Butter the bread evenly for a golden crust.
- Cook on medium heat so cheese melts before bread burns.
- Use two slices of cheese for a better melt and barrier to keep bread from getting too wet.
- Don’t overfill; leave some edge so sandwiches seal while grilling.
variation (if any)
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Make a vegetarian version with lentils or chopped mushrooms.
- Add BBQ sauce or hot sauce for a different flavor.
- Try different breads: rye, wheat, or Texas toast.
- Swap cheeses: pepper jack for spice, Swiss for a mild change.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the sloppy joe filling ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make the filling, cool it, and store in the fridge. Reheat before assembling the sandwich.
Q: How do I reheat the sandwich?
A: Reheat in a skillet over low-medium heat or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed and cheese is melted.
Q: Can I freeze the whole sandwich?
A: It is better to freeze the filling alone. The bread can get soggy if frozen assembled.
Q: What cheese melts best for this sandwich?
A: Cheddar and American melt well. You can mix cheeses for flavor.
Q: Can I make smaller sliders?
A: Yes. Use small rolls and the same method for mini sandwiches.
Conclusion
For another take on this sandwich and full recipe notes, see Spicy Southern Kitchen’s Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese.
Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Heat another skillet on medium heat. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
- Place one slice butter-side down on the skillet, add cheese, a generous portion of the Sloppy Joe filling, and top with another slice of cheese and bread (butter-side up).
- Grill until golden brown and the cheese melts, flipping halfway through.
- Cut the sandwich in half and serve hot.