Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes
Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes are a delightful fusion of two beloved comfort foods, combining crispy toasted bread and gooey melted cheese with a savory, tangy sloppy joe filling. This easy-to-make sandwich offers the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a family-friendly meal that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Ideal for a satisfying lunch or dinner, these sandwiches deliver a rich, comforting experience with every bite.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein and Filling
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: chili flakes, to taste
Sandwich Components
- 8 slices bread (white or sourdough preferred)
- 4–6 slices cheese (Cheddar or American recommended)
- Butter, enough for toasting (about 2 tablespoons)
- Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant. Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes. Simmer the mixture until it thickens slightly and develops a rich flavor, about 10–15 minutes.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Lay one slice of bread flat and spread a generous spoonful of the sloppy joe filling evenly on top. Add one or two slices of your chosen cheese over the filling. Place another slice of bread on top to complete the sandwich.
- Grill to Perfection: Butter the outsides of the sandwich evenly. Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and cook the sandwich for about 3–4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside has melted thoroughly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the sandwich from the heat and let it sit for a minute to help it hold together. Slice if desired and serve warm. Garnish with fresh parsley or crispy fried onions for an added touch, if preferred.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for best melting and flavor contrast.
- Don’t overload the sandwich with filling to prevent sogginess or falling apart.
- Toast the bread slowly over medium-low heat to achieve a crispy crust without burning while allowing the cheese to melt perfectly.
- Simmer the sloppy joe sauce long enough to reduce excess liquid and intensify flavors.
- Consider using a non-stick pan or grill press to make flipping the sandwich easier and ensure even grilling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: grilled cheese, sloppy joes, comfort food, sandwich, easy dinner, cheesy sandwich, family-friendly