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Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Delight

Section: Quick and Satisfying Lunch Ideas

This comforting sandwich layers buttery toasted bread with saucy Sloppy Joe meat and creamy American cheese. Crisp on the outside and gooey inside, it’s perfect for a quick, satisfying lunch or dinner. Ideal for using leftovers or swapping ingredients like ground turkey or different breads, it’s kid-friendly and ready in about 18 minutes. Serve hot for a nostalgic meal that combines rich flavor and melty texture in every bite.

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Brought to You By iman
Last updated on Fri, 30 Jan 2026 22:43:07 GMT
A sandwich with meat and cheese. Bookmark
A sandwich with meat and cheese. | imaninthekitchen.com

Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese combines two all-time favorites into one unforgettable sandwich. Buttered bread crisps up beautifully around a rich, savory Sloppy Joe meat filling layered with melted American cheese. This recipe is quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights, and satisfying enough for both kids and adults. Whether using homemade meat or leftovers, it’s a delicious way to enjoy comfort food in less than 20 minutes.

I made this the first time when I had leftover Sloppy Joe filling and it was an instant hit with everyone at the table. Now it’s my go-to comfort meal whenever I want something warm and cheesy.

Ingredients

  • Butter: choose good quality real butter for a golden, crispy crust that really shines
  • White bread: thick sliced sandwich bread holds the filling well and crisps up nicely
  • Prepared Sloppy Joe meat mixture: homemade if you have time or leftover for convenience and flavor
  • American cheese: melts perfectly for that gooey grilled cheese texture and classic flavor
  • Cheese choice: slices should be fresh and pliable to melt smoothly and bind the sandwich together

Instructions

Prep the Bread:
Spread a generous layer of softened butter on one side of each bread slice. Make sure to cover every corner thoroughly to achieve an even golden crisp when grilled.
Layer the First Side:
Place one slice of buttered bread with the buttered side down on a preheated skillet over medium heat. Let it warm a few seconds to begin forming a crunchy base.
Add Cheese and Sloppy Joe Filling:
Lay a slice of American cheese on the bread and give it time to soften slightly. Then spread about one sixth of your sloppy joe meat mixture evenly right to the edges. This helps keep the sandwich full but neat.
Top and Finish Building:
Add a second slice of cheese over the meat to create a gooey barrier that prevents the filling from oozing out. Place the remaining slice of bread butter side up on top to complete the sandwich.
Grill the Sandwich:
Allow the sandwich to cook undisturbed for three or four minutes until the bottom is deeply golden brown. Press gently with a spatula if you prefer an even crisper crust.
Flip and Grill Second Side:
Carefully flip the sandwich over and continue cooking until this side is golden and the cheese inside is fully melted and gooey.
Rest and Slice:
Transfer the finished sandwich to a cutting board and let it rest for a minute. Slice in half carefully to showcase the melted cheese and rich meat filling.
Repeat and Serve:
Prepare any remaining sandwiches the same way. Serve immediately while hot for the best melt and crunch.
A grilled cheese sandwich with sloppy joe in the middle.
A grilled cheese sandwich with sloppy joe in the middle. | imaninthekitchen.com

Every time I make this sandwich, I remember those summer cookouts and cozy winter nights where this simple comfort food brought everyone together around the table.

Storage Tips

Wrap leftover sandwiches tightly in foil or place in an airtight container before refrigerating. Reheat on a skillet to restore the crisp texture. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the bread soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey works great for a lighter version and lentils provide a tasty vegetarian option. For bread, sourdough or Italian bread adds an enjoyable bite. Spice lovers can swap in pepperjack cheese or add sliced pickled jalapenos before grilling.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your sandwich with a bowl of creamy tomato soup or a crisp green salad to round out the meal. Cutting each sandwich into quarters makes for perfect party appetizers or game day snacks.

A stack of grilled cheese sandwiches with sloppy joe filling.
A stack of grilled cheese sandwiches with sloppy joe filling. | imaninthekitchen.com

This sandwich comes together quickly but tastes like you took your time. I learned the hard way not to skip buttering every corner because that golden crisp on the bread is what elevates this to next level comfort food.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ What bread works best for this sandwich?

Thick sliced white, French, or Italian bread toast well and hold the filling firmly, providing a sturdy base.

→ Can I use different cheeses?

Yes, while American cheese melts smoothly, cheddar, mozzarella, or Colby Jack add great flavor and texture.

→ Is canned meat mixture suitable?

Using canned sloppy joe sauce combined with ground beef is a quick alternative that maintains great taste.

→ How to make the sandwich extra crispy?

Spread softened butter evenly on bread slices and cook on medium heat to achieve a golden, crispy crust.

→ What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat on a skillet or toaster oven to restore crispness and keep the filling gooey without soggy bread.

Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese

A filling sandwich combining rich, saucy meat and melted cheese on crisp, buttery toasted bread.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
8 minutes
Total Time
18 minutes
Brought to You By: iman

Recipe Category: Lunch Recipes

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Origin: American

Portions: 3 Serves (3 sandwiches)

Diet Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Breads

01 6 slices thick white sandwich bread

→ Spreads

02 3 tablespoons real unsalted butter, softened

→ Fillings

03 1 cup prepared Sloppy Joe meat mixture, homemade or leftover
04 6 slices American cheese

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Spread a generous layer of softened butter on one side of each bread slice, ensuring edges are fully coated for a golden crust.

Step 02

Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, onto a preheated skillet over medium heat. Allow to warm for several seconds until a crisp base forms.

Step 03

Lay one slice of American cheese on the bread, letting it soften slightly. Evenly spread approximately one-sixth of the Sloppy Joe mixture over the cheese, covering to edges.

Step 04

Place another slice of American cheese atop the meat filling to secure it, then crown with a second bread slice, buttered side up.

Step 05

Cook the sandwich undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom is deeply golden. Press lightly with a spatula if a crisper finish is desired.

Step 06

Carefully flip the sandwich and cook until the second side is golden and the cheese is fully melted, approximately 3 more minutes.

Step 07

Remove from heat and transfer to a cutting board. Let rest for one minute before slicing in half to reveal the melted interior. Repeat procedure for remaining sandwiches and serve hot.

Additional Notes

  1. Use softened butter for even browning and crispness. Let meat cool slightly before assembly for cleaner layering.
  2. Switch bread types or cheese varieties to customize texture and flavor.
  3. Reheat leftover sandwiches in a skillet for restored crispness; avoid microwaving to prevent soggy bread.

Must-Have Tools

  • Non-stick skillet or griddle
  • Spatula
  • Butter knife or spreader

Allergy Details

Always inspect ingredient packaging for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy and gluten
  • May contain traces of soy and wheat depending on meat mixture

Nutritional Details (Per Portion)

Nutritional info is purely informational and not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 520
  • Fats: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Proteins: 23 g