Sloppy Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
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What happens when you combine the classic flavors of a sloppy joe with the comfort of a grilled cheese sandwich? You get the ultimate mashup: sloppy grilled cheese sandwiches! This hearty and satisfying sandwich takes two iconic favorites and blends them into one irresistible meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Imagine buttery, golden-toasted bread paired with gooey, melted cheddar cheese—the hallmark of a great grilled cheese. Now, add to that the saucy, tangy, and flavorful filling of a sloppy joe, packed with savory goodness and just the right hint of sweetness.
Truly, it is the best of both things. The result is a sandwich that’s equally indulgent and nostalgic. To quote Hannah Montana, “You get the best of both worlds” in every bite! (Sorry, my daughter had a Hannah Montana obsession for a bit there.)
Be it ever so messy but ever so tasty, the sloppy grilled cheese sandwiches will make your tummy smile. If your family loves sloppy joes and grilled cheese sandwiches, then they will flip for this combo! It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family! It was a hit with my family.
Ingredients to make Sloppy Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- GROUND BEEF
- ONION
- PREPARED YELLOW MUSTARD
- KETCHUP
- BROWN SUGAR
- WHITE BREAD
- BUTTER
- CHEDDAR CHEESE
How to Make Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese
Cook the ground beef and chopped onion in a large skillet over medium heat until the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess grease.
Add mustard, ketchup, and brown sugar to the browned meat. Stir well to combine the homemade sloppy joe sauce and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Spread butter on one side of each piece of bread. This buttered side will be on the outside of your sandwich, giving it that crispy texture.
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place a slice of bread, butter side down, in the skillet.
Sprinkle a layer of cheddar cheese on the bread, add a generous scoop of the Sloppy Joe mixture, top with more cheddar cheese, and cover with another slice of bread, butter side up.
Cook the sandwich in the pan until the bottom is golden brown. Then flip carefully, making sure the filling doesn’t spill out. Continue assembling the remaining bread and filling until you have cooked all the sandwiches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What bread works best for Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese?
A sturdy bread like sourdough or Texas toast bread is ideal as it holds up well to the hearty filling without getting soggy.
Can I use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef in this recipe. These alternatives offer a leaner option while still absorbing the flavors from the mustard, ketchup, and brown sugar. Just ensure the poultry is thoroughly cooked to a safe internal temperature before adding the sauces.
Can I use a pre-made Sloppy Joe mix?
Yes, using a canned Sloppy Joe mix can save time and still tastes great. Simply heat it up before adding it to your sandwich.
What types of cheese can I use?
American or Swiss cheese will also work well with the tangy flavor of the Sloppy Joe mix. They melt nicely and complement the flavors.
How do I prevent the sandwich from being too messy?
Keep the Sloppy Joe filling thick and not too saucy, and use a moderate amount to prevent it from spilling out as it cooks.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Sloppy Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- 2 Tbsp. prepared mustard
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 10-12 slices white bread
- 6 tbsp butter softened
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown beef with onion until full cooked. Drain off any grease.
- Add mustard, ketchup, and brown sugar to the beef. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spread butter over one side of each slice of bread.
- For each sandwich, place one slice of bread, butter side down into a skillet.
- Top with a little cheddar cheese, some of the beef mixture, and additional cheddar cheese.
- Place an additional slice of bread on top, butter side up, creating the sandwich.
- Cook the sandwich over medium heat until it is toasted golden brown on both sides. Be careful when you flip it so the cheese and sloppy joe filling don’t fall out.
- Repeat until all 5-6 sandwiches are made.
Nutrition
Adapted from Blog Chef.
