Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes Recipe

If you’re a fan of both grilled cheese and sloppy joes, then you’re in for a treat! Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes combine the cheesy goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich with the savory, saucy filling of a sloppy joe. This is the ultimate comfort food mash-up that’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner or a weekend indulgence. Whether you're cooking for a family meal or just want to treat yourself to something delicious, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Read on for all the details on how to make this gooey, meaty delight!

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What Are Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes?

Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes are a fusion of two classic American favorites. You get the juicy, flavorful ground beef filling of a sloppy joe, sandwiched between two slices of golden, buttery grilled bread with melted cheese. The combination of textures—crispy bread, gooey cheese, and saucy meat—makes every bite irresistible. It’s the perfect meal when you can’t decide between a hearty sloppy joe and a melty grilled cheese sandwich.

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Ingredients List for Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes:

For the Sloppy Joe Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 for the best flavor)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky kick)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches:

• 8 slices of bread (white, sourdough, or any sturdy sandwich bread)
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 8 slices of cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra gooeyness)

Optional Garnishes:

• Pickles
• Sliced jalapeños
• Hot sauce

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Substitutions and Variations

There are plenty of ways to customize your Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas:

• Ground meat options: You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a healthier or vegetarian option.
• Cheese variety: While cheddar is classic, you can use Swiss, provolone, or Pepper Jack for a twist on flavor.
• Bread options: If you prefer something heartier, use Texas toast or a thick artisan bread like sourdough or rye.
• Spice level: Want more heat? Add a dash of hot sauce to the filling or use spicy jalapeño cheese for a kick.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to dig in? Follow these simple steps to create your perfect Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes.

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How to Cook Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Cook the Sloppy Joe Filling

1. Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the vegetables: Stir in the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic, cooking until the vegetables are softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Make the sauce: Add the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, and smoked paprika. Stir well to combine. Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

1. Butter the bread: While the sloppy joe filling is simmering, generously butter one side of each slice of bread.
2. Assemble the sandwiches: Place a slice of cheddar cheese on the unbuttered side of four slices of bread. Once the sloppy joe filling is ready, spoon a generous amount over the cheese. Top with another slice of cheddar cheese and then another slice of bread (buttered side facing out).

Step 3: Grill the Sandwiches

1. Preheat a skillet: Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Grill the sandwiches: Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted. Be sure to press down gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking and melting.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, let them cool for a minute or two, and then slice them in half. Serve immediately with your favorite garnishes like pickles, jalapeños, or hot sauce.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using too much butter: While butter is essential for crisp, golden bread, using too much can result in a greasy sandwich. Stick to a thin, even layer on each slice.
2. Overloading the sandwich: It’s tempting to pile on the sloppy joe filling, but overstuffing can make the sandwich hard to grill and eat. Keep a balance of meat and cheese.
3. Not pressing the sandwich while grilling: Gently pressing the sandwich with a spatula while grilling helps it cook evenly and ensures the cheese melts perfectly.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

These Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes are hearty enough to be a meal on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to complete the experience:

How to Serve Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes

• With a side of fries: Serve your Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes with crispy French fries, sweet potato fries, or onion rings for a true diner experience.
• With a fresh salad: A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the sandwiches.
• With a cup of tomato soup: For the ultimate comfort food duo, pair your Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes with a bowl of creamy tomato soup for dipping.

Presentation Ideas for Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes

• Cut in halves or quarters: To make the sandwiches easier to eat, slice them in halves or quarters. This also helps showcase the delicious cheesy, saucy filling.
• Serve on a platter: Arrange the sandwiches on a large platter with pickles and jalapeños on the side for a crowd-pleasing presentation.
• Add a drizzle of sauce: For extra flair, drizzle the top of each sandwich with a bit of hot sauce or ketchup.

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Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes Recipe Tips

• Make ahead: You can make the sloppy joe filling ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the filling and assemble the sandwiches.
• Customize the cheese: For extra gooeyness, use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and provolone. This adds different textures and flavors to each bite.
• Go gourmet: For a gourmet twist, try adding caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or even a slice of crispy bacon to the sandwiches before grilling.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sloppy joe filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to make the sandwiches, simply reheat the filling and proceed with grilling the cheese sandwiches.

What type of bread works best for Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes?

A sturdy bread like sourdough, Texas toast, or thick-cut white bread works best. You want something that can hold up to the juicy sloppy joe filling without falling apart.

Can I freeze the sloppy joe filling?

Absolutely. You can freeze the sloppy joe filling in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it before assembling the sandwiches.

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Conclusion

These Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes are the perfect comfort food mash-up, combining the cheesy satisfaction of a grilled cheese with the savory richness of a sloppy joe. Whether you're cooking for the family or treating yourself to an indulgent meal, this recipe delivers in both flavor and texture. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can enjoy this mouthwatering sandwich any night of the week. Try it tonight, and prepare to fall in love with this ultimate comfort food fusion!

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