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Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese

Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese

Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese is a comforting fusion of two classic favorites—Sloppy Joes and grilled cheese sandwiches. Featuring a savory ground beef or turkey filling simmered in a tangy tomato-based sauce, layered with melty cheddar or American cheese, and grilled between buttery toasted bread, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of gooey cheese, hearty meat, and crispy bread. Quick and easy to prepare, it is highly customizable and perfect for family meals, casual gatherings, or anytime you crave nostalgia with a twist.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Sloppy Joe Filling

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sandwich Assembly

  • 4 slices sandwich bread (white, sourdough, or Texas toast)
  • 4 slices cheddar or American cheese (or shredded equivalent)
  • Butter, for spreading on bread

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling: Brown the ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart into small pieces. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant. Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
  2. Assemble the Sandwich: Butter one side of each bread slice evenly. Place one slice, butter side down, on a preheated skillet. Add a generous layer of shredded cheese, then spoon a hearty amount of the Sloppy Joe filling over the cheese. Top with another layer of cheese and then the second slice of bread, butter side up.
  3. Grill to Perfection: Cook the sandwich on medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula to ensure even toasting. Grill until bread is golden and crispy and cheese is melted, forming a delicious gooey inside.
  4. Serve Immediately: Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it rest for a minute to allow the filling to set slightly. Cut into halves or quarters and serve warm for the best gooey and crispy experience.

Notes

  • Use medium heat to crisp the bread without burning it and to melt the cheese thoroughly.
  • Don’t overload with filling to avoid a messy sandwich and ensure even grilling.
  • Choose thick slices of sturdy bread to hold the filling and grilling process well.
  • Let the sandwich rest briefly after grilling to help the filling settle and improve slicing.
  • For extra browning and flavor, try spreading mayonnaise on the bread along with or instead of butter.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Can be made gluten free by using gluten-free bread

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Sloppy Joe, Grilled Cheese, Comfort Food, Sandwich, Easy Recipe, Family Meal, American Cuisine