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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 43g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
