Name: Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup ketchup; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, plus more for spreading; 8 slices of bread (white, sourdough, or preferred type); 8 slices cheddar cheese

The Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese is the perfect marriage of two comfort food classics: the savory, saucy ground beef of a traditional sloppy joe and the gooey, golden-crusted indulgence of a grilled cheese sandwich. This hearty, satisfying meal delivers bold flavors and melty texture in every bite, making it an instant favorite. Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe combines nostalgia with creativity. It’s quick to whip up, yet feels indulgent enough for a cozy weekend treat or a laid-back dinner. I get the savory sweetness from the sloppy joe filling and the buttery crunch of grilled bread all at once. Plus, it’s incredibly kid-friendly and great for using up leftover meat.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef
onion
green bell pepper
garlic
ketchup
tomato paste
Worcestershire sauce
brown sugar
salt
black pepper
unsalted butter
slices of bread (white, sourdough, or preferred type)
cheddar cheese slices

directions

I start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it’s fully cooked, then I drain the excess grease.
I add chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
Next, I stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper, letting everything simmer until thickened.
I remove the sloppy joe mixture from the heat.
To assemble the sandwiches, I butter one side of each bread slice.
On the unbuttered side, I layer cheese, a generous spoonful of the meat mixture, and another slice of cheese before topping it with a second slice of bread, buttered side out.
I grill the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat, pressing slightly and flipping until both sides are golden and the cheese is melted.
I serve hot, optionally slicing in half for easy handling.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I swap the ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version. I’ve also used spicy pepper jack cheese for a kick or added pickled jalapeños to the filling. Using Texas toast or brioche instead of regular bread can make it even more decadent.

storage/reheating

I store leftover sandwiches wrapped in foil or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I use a skillet or air fryer to keep the bread crispy—microwaving makes it soggy, which I like to avoid. The sloppy joe filling alone stores well for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

FAQs

How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?

I make sure the sloppy joe mixture is thick and not too saucy before adding it to the bread. Grilling the sandwich right away also helps lock in the texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I prefer to prepare the meat mixture in advance and store it separately. Then I can assemble and grill the sandwiches fresh when I’m ready to eat.

What’s the best bread to use?

I go with sturdy bread like sourdough or Texas toast. They hold up better to the filling and create a crisp exterior when grilled.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

I can, but I find freshly sliced or shredded cheese melts better and gives a creamier result.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely. I usually tone down the spices for kids, and they love the cheesy, saucy combo.

Conclusion

Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese is one of those meals that brings big flavor with minimal effort. It’s the ultimate way I combine savory satisfaction and cheesy comfort, whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend indulgence.