Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Print version)

Saucy sloppy joe beef tucked into a buttery grilled cheese with melted cheddar and crisp golden bread.

# Ingredients:

For the sloppy joe filling

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 85 percent lean
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1/2 cup (120 g) ketchup
06 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
07 - 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
08 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
10 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
11 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the sandwiches

13 - 8 slices thick white bread, sourdough, or Texas toast
14 - 3 tablespoons (42 g) unsalted butter, softened
15 - 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese, or 2 cups (225 g) shredded cheddar

# Instructions:

01 - Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up, until no pink remains. Drain excess grease if needed.
02 - Stir in the garlic, ketchup, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture is thick and glossy.
03 - Transfer the filling to a bowl and wipe out the skillet. Butter one side of each bread slice. Place 4 slices butter-side down on a board.
04 - Top each bread slice with 1 slice of cheddar, about 1/3 cup sloppy joe filling, another slice of cheddar, and a second piece of bread with the buttered side facing out.
05 - Cook the sandwiches in the skillet over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes per side, until deeply golden and the cheese is melted. Work in batches if needed.
06 - Let the sandwiches rest for 1 minute before slicing so the cheese can settle around the filling. Serve hot.

# Good to know:

01 - Simmer the filling until thick before assembling to prevent soggy bread.
02 - Use medium-low heat so the cheese melts before the bread gets too dark.
03 - Cook ground beef to 160°F for food safety.

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