The Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese is a modern twist on two American classics. It combines the saucy, savory goodness of a sloppy joe with the crispy, cheesy comfort of a grilled cheese sandwich. The result? A messy, indulgent treat that satisfies with every bite.
Dish Story
Picture this: a rainy Tuesday in Jozi, where a homesick cook craved the nostalgia of childhood favorites. Tired of choosing between grilled cheese and sloppy joes, they layered the saucy beef between slices of buttery bread and melted cheese. What started as a kitchen experiment became an instant hit—a symbol of comfort food rebellion, blending simplicity with bold flavors. Today, it’s a reminder that sometimes, the best dishes are born from breaking the rules.
What you’ll need.
You’ll love this!!
Your Questions Answered!
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles. Just simmer with the same saucy goodness for a veggie-friendly version.
How do I keep these from falling apart?
Don’t overfill, and let the sloppy joe mix cool slightly. Plus, plenty of cheese acts as glue—trust me, it works!
Can I use store-bought sloppy joe sauce?
For sure! Use about 1 can mixed with cooked beef. But homemade? It’s giving extra flavor love.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Pop them in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side. The bread stays crisp, and the cheese gets gooey again.
Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup
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!