Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s the best of both worlds: You get the tangy, meaty goodness of a Sloppy Joe combined with the cheesy, buttery perfection of a grilled cheese12.
• Quick and easy: This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch16.
• Customizable: Feel free to tweak the ingredients to your liking. More on that later!
• Kid-friendly (and adult-friendly too!): Everyone loves a good Sloppy Joe and a grilled cheese, so this is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser5.

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 10 minutes15
• Cook Time: 20 minutes1
• Total Time: 30 minutes1
• Servings: 5 sandwiches
  (Note: Some search results claim prep time of 5 minutes, cook time of 15 minutes, and total time of 25 minutes6. This recipe averages the times.)

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Sloppy Joe Filling

• 1 pound ground beef12
• ¼ cup yellow onion, finely diced1
• ¾ cup ketchup1
• ½ cup water1
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, packed1
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard1
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder1
• Salt and pepper, to taste1

For the Grilled Cheese

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened and divided1
• 10 slices Texas toast (or hearty white bread)12
• 10 slices mild cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)1

Let’s Get Cooking!

1. Make the Sloppy Joe Mix:
   • In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onions until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease1.
   • Stir in the ketchup, water, brown sugar, mustard, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the brown sugar is dissolved and the mixture is bubbly1.
2. Assemble the Grilled Cheese:
   • Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat15.
   • Butter one side of each slice of bread15.
   • Place a slice of bread, butter-side down, in the skillet. Top with a slice of cheese, about ½ cup of the Sloppy Joe mixture, and another slice of cheese. Top with another slice of bread, buttered-side up1.
3. Grill to Perfection:
   • Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey15. Use a spatula to carefully flip the sandwich1.
   • Remove from the skillet and serve warm1.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic sides: Serve with potato chips, coleslaw, or a simple salad.
• Soup it up: Pair with tomato soup or a creamy vegetable soup for a comforting meal.
• Make it a platter: Cut the sandwiches into smaller pieces and serve as appetizers for a party.

Tips for Customization

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the Sloppy Joe mixture2.
• Cheese variations: Use your favorite cheese! Try pepper jack for a little kick or provolone for a milder flavor.
• Bread options: Texas toast is great, but you can also use sourdough, brioche, or any other sturdy bread12.
• Add some veggies: Mix in some chopped green bell pepper or diced celery to the Sloppy Joe filling2.
• Sweetness: Some recipes use BBQ sauce for added sweetness3.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

• You can prepare the Sloppy Joe mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble the grilled cheese just before cooking.

Can I freeze the Sloppy Joe mixture?

• Yes! Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.

What if I don’t have Texas toast?

• No problem! Use any hearty bread that can stand up to the saucy filling2.

Enjoy your Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese! Let me know in the comments how you liked it and what variations you tried.