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sloppy joe grilled cheese recipe
Ben Carraoli

Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Recipe

I have to admit, combining two comfort food classics was one of the best kitchen experiments I’ve tried. Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese is exactly what it sounds like—juicy, savory meat tucked between two slices of golden, buttery bread with melty cheese that pulls apart like a dream.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Breakfast
Calories: 590
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound of lean ground beef - Opt for lean to avoid excess grease while still getting juicy meat.
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter - Adds richness and helps with caramelizing the veggies.
  • 1/2 yellow onion chopped - Yellow onions bring slight sweetness that balances the sauce.
  • 1/2 green bell pepper chopped - Adds crunch and a hint of freshness to the mix.
  • 1 clove garlic minced - Always mince fresh to get fragrant, bold flavors.
  • 2 teaspoons yellow mustard - Provides a tangy contrast to the sweetness.
  • 3/4 cup ketchup - This forms the base of the sauce; use quality ketchup for the best results.
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar - A touch of sweetness elevates the sauce flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt - Balances seasoning throughout the dish.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper - Gives everything a subtle kick.
  • 12 slices of American cheese - Ultra meltable! You can use cheddar or Havarti for substitutes if desired.
  • 12 slices of white bread - Classic white bread crisps up beautifully when grilled.
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - For a perfectly golden crispy crust on the sandwich.

Method
 

  1. Start by heating a large skillet over high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook until a deep brown crust forms on about half the beef. Stir to break it apart, letting the crust add rich flavor. Once fully cooked, drain the fat and set the beef aside.
  2. Add a tablespoon of butter to the skillet, then toss in the onions and bell peppers. Cook for a couple of minutes until caramelized and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic for that irresistible aroma.
  3. Return the beef to the skillet. Stir in mustard, ketchup, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture on medium heat until thickened and about 75% of the liquid is gone. This step creates that sticky, flavorful goodness.
  4. Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. Lay 6 slices butter-side down on a cutting board, then place a slice of cheese on each. Top with a generous scoop of the beef mixture, another slice of cheese, and finish with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
  5. Heat your griddle or skillet on medium-high. Place each sandwich on the hot surface and grill for 3-5 minutes per side, pressing down gently with your spatula. The bread should turn golden and crispy, while the cheese melts perfectly.

Notes

  • Use fresh bread for the best results; stale bread won’t crisp as nicely.
  • Always butter your bread evenly to ensure a golden crust.
  • Reheat leftover meat mixture before assembling sandwiches for the best texture.
  • Create a slightly smoky twist by adding a dash of smoked paprika to the sauce.
  • Keep an eye on your sandwiches while grilling; they can go from golden to burnt quickly.