Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese on a Blackstone griddle is an easy, family-friendly meal that works for lunch or dinner. It’s a great way to use leftovers—especially leftover Crockpot Sloppy Joes—or even a can of Manwich. The griddle gives the sandwiches a crisp, golden crust and melts the cheese perfectly while keeping the filling warm and saucy.
If you cook outdoors or like easy weekend meals, a Blackstone griddle is worth considering. Smaller portable griddles are great for camping and job sites; larger models make cooking for a family quick and convenient. This Sloppy Joe grilled cheese is designed to be simple, fast, and satisfying whether you use leftover homemade Sloppy Joes or a canned version.
Ingredients
- Texas toast (2 slices per sandwich)
- Butter or spread for grilling
- Shredded or sliced cheese (cheddar, Havarti, American, mozzarella—your choice)
- Sloppy Joe filling (leftover homemade, Crockpot sloppy joes, or canned Manwich)
Equipment
- Blackstone griddle or a large skillet
- Long spatulas or flippers
- Optional: melting dome or cover to help the cheese melt
How to Make Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese
Follow these straightforward steps for perfectly melted, golden grilled cheese sandwiches filled with Sloppy Joe meat.
- Preheat your Blackstone griddle over low to medium heat. If using a skillet, set it over medium-low on the stove.
- Butter one side of each Texas toast slice. The buttered side will contact the griddle so it browns evenly.
- If your Sloppy Joe filling was refrigerated, warm it briefly in the microwave or on the griddle so the center of the sandwich heats through during grilling.
- Place a generous layer of Sloppy Joe meat on the unbuttered side of one bread slice.
- Top the meat with your chosen cheese—sliced or shredded. Havarti, cheddar, or American cheese all work well.
- Close the sandwich with the second slice of bread, buttered side up, and place it on the griddle.
- Cook until the bottom is golden brown, then flip carefully with a spatula. If you have a melting dome or cover, place it over the sandwich after flipping to help the cheese melt without over-browning the bread.
- When both sides are golden and the cheese is fully melted, remove and serve immediately.
Tips for Best Results
- Use sturdy bread: Texas toast, a thick sourdough, or an artisan loaf holds up to the filling and flipping.
- Don’t overfill: Too much Sloppy Joe meat can make the sandwich soggy and hard to flip. Aim for a generous but manageable layer.
- Low and slow: Cook over lower heat so the bread browns gently while the cheese melts and the filling warms through.
- Cover to melt: A melting dome or a fitted lid helps the cheese melt evenly without burning the bread.
- Serve with tomato soup or pickles for a classic pairing.
How to Store Leftovers
Grilled cheese is best fresh, but you can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet or on the griddle to restore crispness; the microwave will warm the filling but may soften the bread.
Best Breads for Grilled Cheese
Choose a thicker, sturdy bread that will hold the filling during grilling. Good options include:
- Frozen Texas toast (pre-buttered varieties are convenient)
- Texas toast loaf
- Sourdough
- French bread or baguette (sliced)
- Ciabatta
- Rye or whole wheat
- Artisan loaves
More Griddled Sandwich Ideas
Try these variations on the Blackstone or in a skillet: pizza grilled cheese, Philly cheesesteak grilled cheese, smoked brisket grilled cheese, prime rib grilled cheese, or a vegan cheese and feta option. Leftover smoked meats work especially well in grilled cheese sandwiches cooked on a griddle.
Enjoy these Sloppy Joe grilled cheeses as a quick weeknight meal, a game-day snack, or an easy lunch. The combination of saucy beef and melty cheese between buttery, grilled bread is comfort food at its best.
