Description
A delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich, featuring a savory ground beef mixture layered with melted cheddar cheese between buttery grilled bread slices for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Sloppy Joe Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sandwich
- 8 slices sandwich bread
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat to ensure a less greasy filling.
- Add Garlic and Sauces: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper to combine all the flavors.
- Simmer the Mixture: Reduce the heat slightly and let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes until it thickens slightly, developing the rich sloppy joe flavor. Then set the mixture aside.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Lay out 4 slices of sandwich bread and sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over each slice. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture evenly atop the cheese, then add the remaining cheese over the meat before topping each with another slice of bread to form 4 sandwiches.
- Butter the Bread: Spread softened butter evenly on the outsides of each sandwich to prepare them for grilling, ensuring a crispy golden exterior.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook each sandwich for 2–3 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese inside has melted completely. Monitor carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the grilled cheese sloppy joes warm, optionally with pickles or a side of chips to complete the classic diner-style meal experience.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with other melty varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
- For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast the inside of the bread before assembling the sandwiches.
- This dish pairs well with pickles, potato chips, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
