If you love classic sloppy joes and gooey grilled cheese sandwiches, this recipe gives you the best of both worlds. Rich, saucy beef meets melted cheese and crispy toasted bread—simple, satisfying, and ridiculously good.
Ingredients (Serves 2–3 sandwiches)
Sloppy Joe Filling
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small green pepper, chopped (optional but classic)
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup ketchup
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
¼ cup water or beef broth
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional spices: ½ tsp smoked paprika or chili powder
For the Grilled Cheese
4–6 slices of bread (white, sourdough, brioche, or Texas toast all work)
4–6 slices cheese (American, cheddar, provolone, or a mix)
Butter or mayo for spreading on the bread
Instructions
1. Make the Sloppy Joe Beef
Heat a skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Add onion, green pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened (3–4 minutes).
Stir in:
ketchup
brown sugar
Worcestershire sauce
mustard
broth/water
Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices.
Reduce heat and simmer 5–10 minutes, until thick and saucy.
If it’s too loose, simmer uncovered longer.
If it’s too thick, splash in more broth.
2. Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread a thin layer of butter or mayo on the outside of each bread slice.
Mayo makes extra-crispy grilled cheese.
Place a slice of cheese on the unbuttered side of the bread.
Spoon a generous layer of sloppy joe mixture on top.
Add another slice of cheese.
Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
3. Grill to Perfection
Heat a skillet on medium-low.
Cook each sandwich 3–4 minutes per side until:
Bread is golden and crisp
Cheese is completely melted
Press gently with a spatula for even melting.
Let rest 1–2 minutes before cutting—this keeps the filling inside instead of spilling out everywhere (though a little mess is part of the charm!).
Tips for the Best Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese
Choose the Right Cheese
American cheese: the meltiest
Cheddar: sharper flavor
Provolone or mozzarella: stretchy melt
Mixing 2 types gives the best results.
Keep the Filling Thick
A runny sloppy joe mixture will soak the bread. Simmer until thick and spoonable.
Use Sturdy Bread
Texas toast, sourdough, brioche, or bakery white bread hold up best.
Add Extras (Optional)
Pickles (inside the sandwich or on the side)
Jalapeños for heat
Crispy bacon
A drizzle of hot sauce
Make Ahead
Sloppy joe filling keeps 3–4 days in the fridge.
Reheat and build sandwiches anytime.
Great for meal prep!
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese with:
Homemade fries or potato wedges
A crisp green salad
Tomato soup
Coleslaw
Pickles
It’s a perfect comfort-food dinner, game-day snack, or quick weekend lunch.