Cheesy Grilled Sloppy Joes Sandwich! Packed with juicy ground beef, melty cheese, and tangy tomato sauce, this sandwich is the ultimate comfort food that will leave you feeling full and satisfied. The combination of savory meat and gooey cheese, sandwiched between two slices of crispy bread and grilled to perfection, creates a mouthwatering flavor and texture that is sure to please your taste buds.
Forget about the canned stuff—our Sloppy Joe mixture is made entirely from scratch in less than 25 minutes. And the best part? We’re taking it up a notch by transforming it into a grilled cheese sandwich. If you’re familiar with our popular Philly Cheesesteak Grilled Cheese recipe, you already know that we’re serious about turning classics into irresistible grilled sandwiches.
What sets this recipe apart is our award-winning Ultimate Sloppy Joe sauce. Not only is it kid-friendly, but it has also earned three prestigious awards. Imagine mild, savory, and slightly sweet flavors that your little ones will love. Trust us, once you taste this homemade sauce, there’s no going back to those cans of Manwich.
And let’s not forget about convenience. With a little planning, you can have Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese ready for quick weekday lunches. Prepare the sloppy joe mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, simply reheat the beef mixture in the microwave or on the stovetop. Heat up a large skillet or griddle, assemble your grilled cheese sandwiches with the reheated sloppy joe filling, and indulge in the gooey, cheesy goodness.
Not only does this recipe deliver on taste, but it’s also budget-friendly. Using common pantry items and cheeseburger condiments that you likely have on hand, you’ll enjoy a homemade meal without breaking the bank.
Why is the sloppy joe called sloppy joe?
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The name “Sloppy Joe” for the iconic sandwich is attributed to a cook named Joe from Sioux City, Iowa, who created his own version of the popular loose meat sandwich in the 1930s. Joe’s innovation involved adding a flavorful tomato-based sauce to the ground beef filling, transforming it into a messier and more indulgent experience. As the sauce dripped and spilled from the sandwich, it earned the name “Sloppy Joe,” perfectly capturing its messy and unrefined nature. This creation gained popularity and became known as a Sloppy Joe sandwich nationwide. Today, Sloppy Joes are enjoyed for their delicious flavor and unique texture, with variations of the recipe found in different regions. The name “Sloppy Joe” remains a testament to Joe’s original twist on the loose meat sandwich and the messy eating experience it offers.
What pairs well with sloppy joes?
Sloppy joes can be paired with a variety of sides, depending on your preferences. Some classic options that pair well with sloppy joes include baked beans, potato chips, tater tots, mac and cheese, potato salad, sweet potato hash, dill pickles, and macaroni salad. These sides provide a nice balance of flavors and textures to complement the bold and hearty flavors of the sloppy joes. So whether you prefer something savory, crunchy, creamy, or tangy, there’s a side that will pair perfectly with your sloppy joes.
How healthy is a sloppy joe?
Sloppy joes can have both positive and negative nutritional qualities. On the positive side, they can be a good source of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. However, traditional versions of sloppy joes often lack vegetables and can be high in fat and sodium. To make a healthier version of sloppy joes, consider using lean ground meat or plant-based protein, adding in vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or tomatoes, and using whole-grain buns or lettuce wraps instead of white buns. Additionally, reducing the amount of added sugar and using lower-sodium ingredients can also improve the nutritional profile of sloppy joes. Overall, while sloppy joes can be a satisfying and nutritious meal when made with healthier ingredients, traditional versions may not be the healthiest option due to their high fat, sodium, and sugar content.
What is the difference between a loose meat sandwich and a sloppy joe?
The major difference between a Loose Meat Sandwich and a Sloppy Joe is the presence of a sauce. A loose meat sandwich consists of dry crumbles of flavored ground beef served without any sauce, while a Sloppy Joe features ground beef cooked in a thick, tangy tomato-based sauce. The loose meat sandwich highlights the seasoned ground beef itself, while the Sloppy Joe gains its flavor from the sauce. The absence or presence of the sauce also affects the texture, with the loose meat sandwich being drier and crumbly, and the Sloppy Joe offering a messy and saucy eating experience. Both sandwiches provide delicious ways to enjoy ground beef in a sandwich form, catering to different preferences.
Cheesy Grilled Sloppy Joes Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
- 1 12 ounce bottle chili sauce (such as Heinz)
- 2 ½ tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon water or as needed
- ½ cup salted butter softened, or as needed
- 16 slices bread
- 16 slices American cheese
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir ground beef and minced in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add chili sauce and brown sugar. Rinse chili sauce jar with water to get the remnants of the sauce; add to the beef mixture. Stir, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the heat.
- Butter one side of 2 slices of bread. Place one slice, butter-side down, in a new skillet over medium heat. Layer with 1 slice of American cheese, a scoop of Sloppy Joe mixture, another slice of cheese, and the second piece of bread, butter-side up. Cook until sandwich is browned on the bottom and the bottom slice of cheese is melted, 3 to 5 minutes. Flip sandwich over and repeat on the other side. Repeat to assemble and cook remaining sandwiches.
