I really enjoy making this Double Bourbon Cheeseburger Sloppy Joe Melt when I want something rich, hearty, and comforting. I love how the beef becomes saucy and flavorful with a hint of bourbon sweetness, while the melted cheese and crispy bread bring everything together into a satisfying, indulgent sandwich. This is the kind of meal I make when I want classic comfort food with a bold twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I keep this recipe on repeat because it is easy to make and incredibly filling. I like how it delivers all the flavors I enjoy in a cheeseburger but in a sloppy, melty sandwich form. The bourbon adds depth without overpowering the dish, and the cheesy melt makes every bite comforting and rich.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended)
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons bourbon
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
For assembling the melts
8 slices sandwich bread
2 tablespoons butter, softened
8 slices cheddar or American cheese
Directions
I start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding the ground beef. I cook it until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Once the beef is nearly done, I add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent.
I stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. I then add the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, and mustard. I mix everything well and let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes rich and saucy. I season with salt and pepper to taste.
To assemble the sandwiches, I butter one side of each slice of bread. I place four slices butter-side down on a skillet or griddle, add a slice of cheese, spoon the sloppy joe mixture on top, then add another slice of cheese. I finish with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
I cook the sandwiches over medium-low heat, flipping once, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
Servings And Timing
I usually get 4 generous sandwiches from this recipe.
Prep time is about 15 minutes, cooking time is around 25 minutes, and total time comes to roughly 40 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes switch the cheese to pepper jack when I want a little heat. When I feel like changing the flavor, I replace part of the ketchup with barbecue sauce for a smoky twist. I also like adding diced pickles or sautéed mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover sloppy joe filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I reheat it in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. I always assemble the sandwiches fresh so the bread stays crisp and the cheese melts properly.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without bourbon?
I leave out the bourbon and replace it with beef broth or apple juice when I want a non-alcoholic version.
What bread works best for this melt?
I prefer sturdy sandwich bread like sourdough or Texas toast because it holds up well to the filling.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
I often make the sloppy joe mixture a day in advance and reheat it before assembling the sandwiches.
Can I use a different type of meat?
I sometimes use ground turkey or chicken, but I add a little oil to keep the mixture moist.
Can the filling be frozen?
I freeze the sloppy joe filling for up to 2 months and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
This Double Bourbon Cheeseburger Sloppy Joe Melt is one of my favorite comfort meals to make at home. I love how it combines rich beef, a flavorful sauce, and melty cheese into one satisfying sandwich. It is easy, filling, and always a hit when I am craving something warm and indulgent.
A rich and hearty twist on the classic sloppy joe, this Double Bourbon Cheeseburger Sloppy Joe Melt features a savory bourbon-infused beef mixture with melted cheese, sandwiched between crispy, buttery bread slices.
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:4 sandwiches
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended)
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons bourbon
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
8 slices sandwich bread
2 tablespoons butter, softened
8 slices cheddar or American cheese
Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent.
Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, and mustard. Mix well and let simmer for 8–10 minutes until thickened.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
Butter one side of each slice of bread.
Place four slices butter-side down on a skillet or griddle. Add a slice of cheese, spoon sloppy joe mixture on top, then add another slice of cheese. Top with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
Cook over medium-low heat, flipping once, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
Notes
Use pepper jack cheese for a spicier version.
Replace part of the ketchup with BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
Try adding diced pickles or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
Store filling separately and assemble sandwiches fresh for best texture.
Filling can be made a day in advance or frozen up to 2 months.
