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Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese

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A hearty fusion of two comfort food classics—sloppy joes and grilled cheese. This Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese features a savory, slightly sweet ground beef mixture sandwiched between slices of buttery, toasted bread and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner. #SloppyJoeGrilledCheese #ComfortFood #GrilledCheese #SloppyJoes #CheddarCheese

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 8 slices sandwich bread (Texas toast or hearty white bread recommended)
  • Butter, for spreading onto the bread

Instructions

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  4. Once the beef is browned, add the tomato paste, ketchup, salt, onion powder, black pepper, yellow mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to combine.
  5. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 5–10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
  6. While the beef mixture simmers, butter one side of each slice of bread.
  7. Heat a separate skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place a slice of bread, butter-side down, onto the skillet. Top with a generous scoop of the sloppy joe mixture, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Place another slice of bread, butter-side up, on top to form a sandwich.
  8. Cook the sandwich until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3–4 minutes per side. Repeat with the remaining bread and filling to make additional sandwiches.
  9. Once cooked, remove from the skillet and let cool for a minute before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • For added flavor, consider adding a few dashes of hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture.
  • Use thick-cut bread like Texas toast for a sturdier sandwich that holds up well to the filling.
  • Ensure the skillet is not too hot to prevent burning the bread before the cheese melts.
  • Leftover sloppy joe mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before assembling sandwiches.

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