Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheeses Recipe: The Comfort Food Mashup You Need

Sloppy joe grilled cheeses blend two beloved comfort foods into a messy, mouthwatering masterpiece that enhances classic sandwich expectations.

Melted cheese and savory ground beef create an irresistible combination that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Childhood memories of messy dinners and gooey sandwiches collide in this indulgent culinary creation.

Rich flavors merge seamlessly between crispy, buttery bread layers that crackle with each delectable bite.

These sandwiches promise a nostalgic experience that elevates traditional meal routines with unexpected deliciousness.

Hearty ingredients unite to craft a meal that feels simultaneously familiar and exciting for hungry diners.

The perfect balance of textures and tastes awaits you in this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheeses Flavor Highlights

• Flavor Explosion: Combining the classic comfort of sloppy joes with the crispy, cheesy goodness of grilled cheese creates an irresistible taste sensation that takes your favorite childhood meals to a whole new level.
• Easy Weeknight Winner: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving something delicious and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Texture Perfection: The crispy, buttery sourdough bread provides a crunchy exterior that perfectly contrasts with the melty cheese and savory, saucy beef filling, delivering a textural experience that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable with different cheese types or by adding extra toppings, this recipe offers flexibility for picky eaters while maintaining its core deliciousness that appeals to both kids and adults.

Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheeses Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: Lean meat provides the hearty base for the sloppy Joe filling, best when fresh and low in fat.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds deep umami flavor and enhances the meat's richness.

• Kosher Salt, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Classic spice combination that brings robust savory notes to the meat mixture.
• Brown Sugar: Balances the savory elements with a subtle sweetness.

• Unsalted Butter, Olive Oil: Provide essential cooking fat and help achieve golden-brown bread exterior.
• Sourdough Bread: Tangy bread with sturdy texture perfect for grilling and holding the filling.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Offers bold, melty cheese flavor that complements the sloppy Joe mixture.

Water: Helps create the saucy texture for the meat mixture and prevents drying out.

How to Make Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheeses

Step 1: Prepare Butter

Let butter sit at room temperature until softened.

Step 2: Cook Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat

Add ground beef

Cook until browned and fully cooked

• Kosher salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Cook for an additional minute until fragrant

Step 3: Create Sloppy Joe Sauce

Pour water into skillet

Add brown sugar

Mix in Worcestershire sauce

Stir ingredients together

Cook until sauce becomes thick and glossy

Remove pan from heat

Step 4: Assemble Sandwiches

Butter one side of sourdough bread slices

Place 4 bread slices butter-side down

Sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese on bread

Add sloppy Joe mixture on top

Cover with additional cheese

Top with remaining bread slices (butter-side up)

Step 5: Grill Sandwiches

Heat skillet over medium-high heat

Cook 2 sandwiches at a time

Grill until golden brown

Cook approximately 4 minutes per side

Cheese should be completely melted

Step 6: Serve

Transfer sandwiches to cutting board

Slice sandwiches in half

Serve immediately while hot and crispy

Top Tips for Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheeses

• Soften Butter Strategically: Let butter reach room temperature for easy spreading, ensuring even coverage on bread without tearing.
• Brown Meat Perfectly: Cook ground beef until deeply browned to develop rich, caramelized flavor that enhances the sloppy Joe mixture.
• Balance Sweet and Savory: Use brown sugar to create a perfect blend of tangy and sweet notes in the meat sauce.
• Layer Cheese Generously: Sprinkle cheese on both sides of the filling to create a gooey, melty center that holds the sandwich together.
• Achieve Golden-Brown Crust: Cook on medium-high heat to create a crispy, golden exterior while ensuring the cheese melts completely.

Leftover Storage for Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheeses

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheeses in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Enjoy within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety.
• Reheating Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place sandwiches on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through and cheese melts.
• Skillet Reheating: Gently reheat sandwiches in a lightly greased skillet over medium-low heat. Cook 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring crispy exterior and melted cheese without burning.

Pair These with Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheeses

• Pair with Tangy Coleslaw: Whip up a zesty coleslaw with vinegar-based dressing to cut through the richness of the sloppy Joe grilled cheese, adding a fresh crunch and balancing the heavy flavors.
• Serve with Crisp Dill Pickles: Slice some cold dill pickles as a side to provide a sharp, acidic contrast that complements the meaty, cheesy sandwich and cleanses the palate.
• Complement with Bold Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon, whose robust flavor profile matches the hearty sandwich and enhances its savory notes.
• Refresh with Cold Root Beer: Grab a chilled root beer to balance the sandwich's richness, its sweet carbonation cutting through the cheese and meat while providing a classic American diner-style pairing.

Fun Twists on Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheeses

• Spicy Southwest Style: Replace ground beef with chorizo and add diced jalapeños for a fiery kick. Mix in some chipotle sauce for extra heat and depth of flavor.
• Mediterranean Mashup: Swap ground beef for lamb and incorporate crumbled feta cheese. Introduce oregano and a touch of mint to give an Greek-inspired profile.
• Vegetarian Comfort: Substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils. Add bell peppers and use plant-based cheese for a hearty meat-free version that doesn't compromise on taste.
• BBQ Ranch Fusion: Incorporate BBQ sauce instead of Worcestershire and sprinkle ranch seasoning into the meat mixture. Top with crispy bacon bits for added crunch and smokiness.

Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheeses Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sloppy joe grilled cheese merges classic American comfort foods into one irresistible sandwich. Melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, and crispy bread create a hearty meal that satisfies your deepest cravings with bold, messy deliciousness.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 4 cups (1 pound) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 8 slices sourdough bread (about ½-inch thick)

Seasonings and Flavorings:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ cup water

Fats and Oils:

• 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the ground beef by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the meat and cook until thoroughly browned and crumbly.
2. Season the beef with salt, garlic powder, and onion powder, stirring to distribute the spices evenly and enhance the flavor profile.
3. Create the saucy component by incorporating water, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce into the meat mixture, stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the beef uniformly.
4. Remove the seasoned meat mixture from heat and set aside to cool slightly while preparing the bread.
5. Take sourdough bread slices and generously butter one side of each slice with softened butter.
6. Arrange four bread slices with the unbuttered side facing upward on a clean work surface.
7. Distribute shredded sharp cheddar cheese as the first layer on each bread slice, creating a melty foundation.
8. Spoon the prepared sloppy Joe meat mixture evenly over the cheese layer, ensuring consistent coverage.
9. Sprinkle an additional layer of cheese on top of the meat to create a rich, gooey texture.
10. Cover each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, positioning the buttered side facing outward.
11. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and carefully place two sandwiches in the pan.
12. Grill the sandwiches until they turn golden-brown and crispy, approximately 4 minutes per side, ensuring the cheese melts completely.
13. Transfer the grilled sandwiches to a cutting board and slice diagonally to serve hot and showcase the melted interior.

Notes

• Softening butter at room temperature ensures smooth spreading and even melting for a perfectly golden, crispy sandwich exterior.
• Lean ground beef creates a lighter, less greasy sloppy joe mixture that pairs beautifully with sharp cheddar cheese.
• Layering cheese both under and over the meat helps create a gooey, melted cheese barrier that prevents bread from getting soggy.
• Medium-high heat guarantees a crisp, golden-brown crust while allowing the cheese to melt completely through the sandwich.
• Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar add depth and subtle sweetness to the classic sloppy joe flavor profile.
• Cooking sandwiches in batches prevents overcrowding and ensures each grilled cheese develops a perfect crispy exterior.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 748
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 48 g
• Saturated Fat: 29 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 109 mg