Grilled cheese sandwiches and sloppy joes are two classic American comfort foods that hold a special place in many people’s hearts. But what happens when you combine them into one delicious dish? You get the Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese—a warm, gooey, and hearty sandwich that takes the best of both worlds and merges them into a perfect, handheld meal.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make a Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese, discuss the flavors and textures that make it so irresistible, and provide tips for perfecting this comfort food mash-up.
What is a Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese?
A Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese is exactly what it sounds like: a twist on the traditional grilled cheese sandwich, made even more indulgent with the addition of sloppy joe filling. The sandwich consists of a crispy, golden brown exterior of buttery, grilled bread, but with the addition of a savory, saucy ground beef filling seasoned with sweet, tangy ketchup and mustard. Add a layer of melty cheese, and you have the ultimate comfort meal—crispy on the outside, gooey and messy on the inside.
The combination of the rich, meaty filling and the creamy, melted cheese creates a satisfying flavor contrast, while the crispy, buttery toast offers a crunchy texture that balances out the soft, juicy meat. It’s the kind of sandwich you’ll crave on a rainy day, during game day, or whenever you need a hearty meal in a flash.
Key Ingredients for Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese
To make a Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Ground Beef: Traditional sloppy joe filling is made with ground beef, but you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat if you prefer.
- Sloppy Joe Sauce: A mix of ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and spices gives sloppy joes their signature tangy-sweet flavor. You can make the sauce from scratch or use a store-bought version for convenience.
- Bread: For the grilled cheese, use hearty white or whole wheat bread that can hold up to the sloppy joe filling. Texas toast or thick slices of sourdough are great options for extra texture.
- Cheese: American cheese is the classic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, but feel free to experiment with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone for a different twist.
- Butter: For that golden, crispy crust on the grilled bread, butter is essential.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Add your sloppy joe sauce ingredients to the beef: ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a bit of brown sugar. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and absorbed into the beef.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich
- Butter one side of each slice of bread.
- On the non-buttered side of two slices, add a layer of cheese (1 or 2 slices per sandwich).
- Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture on top of the cheese.
- Add another layer of cheese on top of the sloppy joe mixture (this will help to “seal” the sandwich when grilled).
- Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing up.
Step 3: Grill the Sandwich
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and grill for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has fully melted inside.
- Press the sandwich down slightly with a spatula to ensure an even crisp and to help the filling stay in place.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the sandwich is golden and the cheese is oozing, remove it from the skillet and cut it in half. Serve hot, with a side of pickles, fries, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese
- Comfort Food at Its Best: This sandwich combines two beloved comfort foods—grilled cheese and sloppy joes—into one hearty meal. It’s gooey, savory, and totally satisfying.
- Messy and Fun: The gooey, cheesy center and the flavorful, saucy meat make every bite an indulgent experience. You’ll need napkins, but that’s half the fun!
- Quick and Easy: While the sloppy joe filling needs to simmer for a bit, the grilled cheese part is easy and fast. You’ll have a delicious meal on the table in less than 30 minutes.
- Customizable: You can adjust the level of sweetness and tang in the sloppy joe filling, try different cheeses, or even add extras like sautéed onions, jalapeños, or pickles for extra flavor.
Tips for Perfect Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese
- Use Thick Bread: Thick bread like sourdough, Texas toast, or even a crusty baguette works best to hold all the filling and create that perfect crispy crust.
- Grill on Low Heat: Grilling the sandwich on medium-low heat ensures that the bread doesn’t burn before the cheese is fully melted and the filling is heated through.
- Add More Cheese: If you love cheese, feel free to add extra slices or experiment with different types of cheese for a more indulgent sandwich.
- Make It Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or jalapeños to the sloppy joe mixture if you like your food with a kick.
The Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese is a creative and delicious mash-up of two American classics. With its rich, savory filling and gooey cheese encased in golden, crispy bread, this sandwich is a comforting, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or enjoying it on a cozy weekend afternoon, this sandwich is sure to be a hit. Enjoy!