Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup
Hey loves! Get ready for a sandwich that's going to blow your mind. Imagine your favorite grilled cheese and sloppy joe having a delicious love child. It's crispy, gooey, messy, and absolutely irresistible. Trust me, this is comfort food leveled up!
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Filling
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 is perfect for flavor)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 bell pepper, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Grilled Cheese Magic
- 8 slices thick bread (like Texas toast or sourdough)
- 4 tbsp softened butter
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sliced American cheese (for that perfect melt)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for epic cheese pulls!)
For Extra Flavor
- Pickles for serving
- Extra ketchup or mustard
- Onion rings on the side (because why not?)
Instructions
- Start by making that life-changing sloppy joe filling. Brown the beef until it's all crispy and delicious, then toss in the veggies and let them get soft and fragrant.
- Stir in all those saucy goodies—ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire, vinegar, mustard, paprika, and chili powder. Let it simmer until thick and dreamy. Season it up and let it cool a bit so it doesn’t turn your sandwich into a hot mess.
- Butter one side of each bread slice like a pro. You want that golden, crispy crust that makes the perfect contrast to the gooey inside.
- Time to assemble! Place four slices butter-side down in a skillet. Layer on half the cheddar, a generous scoop of sloppy joe filling, American cheese slices, mozzarella, and top with the rest of the cheddar. Cap it with the other bread slices, butter-side up.
- Grill those bad boys over medium-low heat. Flip carefully after 4-5 minutes when golden brown and melty. Cook the other side until perfect. Let them rest for a couple minutes before slicing diagonally. Serve with pickles and napkins—lots of napkins!
Notes
Pro tip: Let the sloppy joe filling cool slightly before assembling—it makes the sandwich less messy and prevents soggy bread. Also, serve with crispy onion rings for that full diner vibe!