Description
Enjoy a delightful twist on a classic with Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes! This hearty dish features savory ground beef or turkey simmered in a tangy sauce, layered between gooey grilled cheese sandwiches. Perfect for cozy family dinners or fun gatherings!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 slices of bread (white, whole wheat, or your choice)
- 8 slices of cheese (American, cheddar, or your favorite melting cheese)
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat a medium flame over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet.
- Using a wooden spoon, break the meat apart as it cooks. Stir occasionally until the meat is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the meat is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. If using lean ground turkey, you may not need to drain any fat.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the cooked meat. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the meat and onions in the skillet. Stir to combine everything thoroughly.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- While the sloppy joe mixture is simmering, prepare the grilled cheese sandwiches. Take two slices of bread and place a slice of cheese between them to create a sandwich.
- Spread 1 tablespoon of softened butter on the outside of each sandwich. This will help achieve a golden, crispy crust when grilled.
- In a separate skillet or griddle, heat over medium heat. Once hot, place the sandwiches in the skillet, buttered side down.
- Cook the sandwiches for about 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown. Carefully flip the sandwiches using a spatula.
- Cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes until it is also golden brown and the cheese is melted. If needed, you can cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt faster.
- Once the grilled cheese sandwiches are done, remove them from the skillet and set aside. Repeat the process with the remaining bread and cheese until all sandwiches are cooked.
- Once the sloppy joe mixture has thickened and is heated through, remove it from the heat.
- Take one grilled cheese sandwich and place it on a plate. Using a spoon, generously scoop the sloppy joe mixture on top of the sandwich.
- Top the sloppy joe mixture with another grilled cheese sandwich, creating a delicious double-decker grilled cheese sloppy joe.
- Repeat the assembly process for the remaining sandwiches and sloppy joe mixture.
- For an extra touch, you can garnish the top with chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for color.
- Serve the grilled cheese sloppy joes immediately while they are hot and the cheese is melty.
- Pair with a side of crispy potato chips, a simple green salad, or classic coleslaw for a complete meal.
- For a fun twist, consider serving with pickles or jalapeños on the side for added flavor and crunch.
- These sandwiches are perfect for a casual family dinner, game day, or a fun gathering with friends.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the cheese and bread types to suit your taste.
- Leftover sloppy joe mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stove or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes