Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes: A Family Favorite
When you need a quick, satisfying meal that pleases the whole family, grilled cheese sloppy Joes deliver. This easy, budget-friendly recipe combines the gooey comfort of melted cheese with the rich, savory flavors of classic sloppy Joe filling. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and makes for nostalgic comfort food that both kids and adults will enjoy.
The sandwich pairs especially well with thick Texas toast, crispy French fries and dill pickles for a complete plate. The melted cheese tames the tangy, slightly sweet sloppy Joe sauce, while the toasted bread adds crunch. Leftovers reheat well and often make an even better lunch the next day.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup diced onions
- 3–4 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon burger seasoning (example: caramelized onion seasoning)
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Texas toast bread
- Mayonnaise (or butter)
- Kraft American cheese slices or any melty cheese you prefer
Tip: For an even easier shortcut, you can use a canned sloppy Joe sauce such as Manwich.
Directions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onions and minced garlic. If you like, add diced green pepper. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, then drain any excess grease.
Stir in the tomato paste and seasoning, then add the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar. Mix well and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise (or butter) on one side of each Texas toast slice—mayonnaise gives an extra-crispy, evenly browned exterior. Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and place the bread mayo-side down. Add a slice of cheese to each piece of bread.
When the cheese begins to melt, spoon a generous portion of the sloppy Joe mixture onto one slice, then top with the other slice to form a sandwich. Press gently and grill until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. Flip as needed to brown both sides evenly.
Serve the sandwiches hot with crispy fries and dill pickles for a satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults. The combination of crunchy toast, melty cheese and saucy beef is irresistible.
If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and rating — feedback is appreciated!
Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1/2 Cup Yellow Onion, Diced
- 3-4 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 tbsp Burger Seasoning I like the Kinders Caramelized Onion Burger Seasoning
- 8 oz Tomato Sauce
- 1/4 Cup Ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
- Texas Toast Bread
- Mayonnaise (or butter)
- Kraft American Cheese Slices or any kind of cheese you like
Instructions
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1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic. Drain excess grease if necessary.
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2. Stir in the tomato paste and seasoning, then add the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar. Mix and simmer for about 5 minutes.
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3. Use a nonstick pan or griddle for grilling the sandwiches.
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4. Spread mayonnaise or butter on one side of each Texas toast slice. Place mayo-side down on the hot pan.
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5. Add a slice of cheese to each bread slice, spoon a few heaping tablespoons of sloppy Joe meat onto one slice, then top with the other slice to form a sandwich.
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6. Grill until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
– If you haven’t tried mayonnaise on grilled cheese, give it a shot — it produces a crisp, evenly browned crust. Butter works well too.
– Use whatever melty cheese you enjoy; American singles are traditional but cheddar, provolone or pepper jack also work.
– This recipe yields about four generously stuffed sandwiches.