Back when my boys were picky and I was exhausted, I started combining two of their favorite things: sloppy joes and grilled cheese. It started as a last-minute experiment — I had leftover beef in the fridge and bread on the counter — and turned into one of our most requested dinners. It’s warm, saucy, cheesy, and messy in the best way. Best part? It’s ready in about 30 minutes and only needs one pan. 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/2 cup ketchup

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 8 slices of sandwich bread

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or sliced cheese)

• 4 tablespoons butter, softened

Instructions:

1. Cook the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onions until browned (5–7 mins). Drain any excess grease.

2. Add flavor: Stir in garlic, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.

3. Assemble sandwiches: Butter one side of each bread slice. Place 4 slices, butter-side down, on a clean surface. Top with a layer of cheese, a generous scoop of sloppy joe filling, more cheese, and the second bread slice (butter-side up).

4. Grill: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium. Cook each sandwich 3–4 minutes per side until golden and the cheese is melted.

5. Serve hot — with napkins!

Tips from Sarah’s Kitchen:

• Use Texas toast or sourdough for a sturdier sandwich.

• Add pickles or jalapeños for a zesty twist.

• Make the beef filling ahead for an even faster weeknight meal.

• Use a panini press if you’ve got one — total game changer.

Nutrition (per sandwich, based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 560

• Protein: 28g

• Carbs: 35g

• Fat: 34g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 8g