Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Recipe
Introduction
The Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese is a delightful twist on two classic comfort foods. Combining savory, saucy ground beef with melty cheese and crispy Texas toast, this sandwich is perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner. It’s easy to make and sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 2 teaspoons beef bouillon powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Cheese slices
- Texas toast bread
- Mayonnaise
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, combine the diced onions and ground beef. Season with beef bouillon powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Drain off excess grease.
- Step 2: Add tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar to the skillet. Stir until well combined, then bring the mixture to a simmer over low-medium heat.
- Step 3: In a separate skillet over medium heat, coat one side of each piece of Texas toast with a thin layer of mayonnaise and place the coated side down in the skillet.
- Step 4: On the uncoated side of the bread in the skillet, layer one slice of cheese, a generous serving of the sloppy joe mixture, and another slice of cheese. Top with a second piece of bread, mayonnaise side up.
- Step 5: Cook the sandwich until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted, flipping carefully to cook both sides evenly.
- Step 6: Serve hot and enjoy your Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese sandwiches immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Try different cheese types like cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for varied taste.
- Use rye or sourdough bread if Texas toast is unavailable for a different texture and flavor.
- To make it lighter, substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
- Adding pickles or coleslaw inside the sandwich adds a nice crunch and contrast.
Storage
Store leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The grilled cheese sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh but can be wrapped tightly in foil and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Reheat sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat to keep the bread crispy and the cheese melted; avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time?
Yes, the beef mixture can be prepared a day in advance and reheated when ready to assemble the sandwiches. This makes the cooking process quicker and easier.
What kind of cheese works best for this sandwich?
Slices of mild cheddar, American, or provolone melt well and complement the flavors of the sloppy joe filling. Feel free to experiment with your favorites to find the perfect match.
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Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 sandwiches 1x
Description
This Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese combines the classic comfort flavors of a sloppy joe with the melty, crispy goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich. Ground beef simmered in a tangy tomato sauce mixture is layered with cheese between two slices of Texas toast bread, then grilled to golden perfection. It’s a hearty and satisfying twist on two all-time favorites.
Ingredients
Sloppy Joe Mixture
- 2 pounds ground beef
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 2 teaspoons beef bouillon powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Sandwich Assembly
- Cheese slices (preferably American or cheddar)
- Texas toast bread
- Mayonnaise (for spreading)
Instructions
- Prepare beef mixture: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the diced onions and ground beef. Season with beef bouillon powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar into the cooked beef mixture. Mix thoroughly and bring to a simmer over low-medium heat. Let it cook gently until thickened and well blended, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Assemble sandwiches: In a separate skillet over medium heat, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one side of each piece of Texas toast bread. Place the bread, mayonnaise side down, onto the skillet. On the bread, place a slice of cheese, followed by a generous serving of the sloppy joe mixture, and top with another slice of cheese. Cover with a second piece of bread, mayonnaise side up.
- Cook sandwiches: Grill the sandwiches on medium heat until the bread is golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip and cook the other side until equally golden and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Serve sandwiches: Remove from the skillet and serve hot. Enjoy your hearty and cheesy Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese sandwiches immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using Texas toast bread provides extra thickness and crunch that complements the sloppy joe filling well.
- Mayonnaise on the outside of the bread helps create the perfect golden crust while grilling.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like provolone or pepper jack for a flavor twist.
- Drain excess grease well to avoid soggy sandwiches.
- Leftover sloppy joe mixture can be refrigerated and reheated for quick meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Sloppy Joe, Grilled Cheese, Comfort Food, Sandwich, Beef, Quick Dinner

