Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes: A Family Favorite
Easy, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights, these Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes combine two beloved classics into one satisfying sandwich. The recipe is budget-friendly, simple to prepare, and ideal for feeding picky eaters. The mix of savory sloppy joe filling with gooey melted cheese tucked between crispy Texas toast feels nostalgic and fun—an easy way to make dinner feel special without a lot of fuss.
This version is especially kid-friendly: the creamy cheese mellows the tangy sauce, and the toasted bread gives a crunchy contrast that children and adults both enjoy. Serve with French fries and dill pickles for a complete comfort-food meal that’s likely to become a regular in your rotation.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup diced onion
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon burger seasoning (or your favorite blend)
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Texas toast bread
- Mayonnaise (or butter) for spreading
- Kraft American cheese slices or any melty cheese you prefer
If you prefer a shortcut, you can substitute a can of prepared sloppy joe sauce (such as Manwich), though this homemade version offers a fresher flavor.
Directions:
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic. If you like, add 1/4 cup diced green pepper. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, then drain any excess grease.
2. Stir in the tomato paste and seasoning. Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Mix thoroughly and let the mixture simmer for about five minutes so the flavors meld. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise (or butter) on one side of each Texas toast slice—this helps achieve a crisp, golden exterior. Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and place the bread mayonnaise-side down. Lay a slice of cheese on each piece of bread.
4. Spoon a generous portion of the sloppy joe mixture onto one slice, then top with the other slice of bread to form a sandwich. Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, flipping once to toast both sides evenly.
5. Serve hot with crispy French fries and dill pickles for a classic diner-style meal. These sandwiches are best eaten fresh while the cheese is melty and the bread is still crisp.
If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and rating—feedback is appreciated!
Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes
5
15
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1/2 Cup Yellow Onion, diced
- 3–4 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 tbsp Burger Seasoning (optional: Kinders Caramelized Onion)
- 8 oz Tomato Sauce
- 1/4 Cup Ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
- Texas Toast Bread
- Mayonnaise (or butter)
- Kraft American Cheese Slices or any melty cheese
Instructions
- 1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic. Drain excess grease if needed.
- 2. Stir in tomato paste and seasoning. Add tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Mix and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- 3. Spread mayonnaise or butter on one side of each Texas toast slice. Use a nonstick pan or griddle heated to medium.
- 4. Place bread mayo-side down, top each slice with a cheese slice. Add a few heaping spoonfuls of sloppy joe mixture to one slice, then top with the other slice to make a sandwich.
- 5. Grill until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve hot.
Notes
You can simplify this recipe by using a canned sloppy joe sauce, but the homemade version tastes fresher. The mayonnaise spread crisps nicely and gives great texture—if you prefer, butter works well too. Choose any melty cheese you like; American slices are classic but not required. The recipe yields about four generously stuffed sandwiches.