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This loaded sandwich mashes up two comfort food favorites for one seriously tasty bite. Crunchy dill pickles brighten up melty cheese and savory sloppy joe goodness, bringing a punch of tang you can't help but crave. Every bite pops with flavor and just feels right.
We whipped these together one whirlwind week when sports took over our evenings. It started as a fun way to use up leftover sloppy joe filling, but now sandwich nights aren't the same without them.
Savory Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Gives that perfect crispy outside everyone wants
- Cheddar cheese: Melts into stretchy, gooey layers that pull apart just right
- Dill pickles: Bring crunch and a sharp bite you can't skip
- Black pepper: Stirs in just a bit of heat and rounds out the flavors
- Kosher salt: Makes everything pop—chunky kosher style is best
- Brown sugar: Cuts the sharpness with mellow sweetness
- Yellow mustard: Adds some zing and lightens up the taste
- Ketchup: Builds that classic sweet and tangy base
- Garlic powder: Throws flavor all through the beef, no chopping required
- Sweet onion: Balances the tart notes and sweetens things up
- Lean ground beef: Brings rich flavor with less mess and fat
- Extra virgin olive oil: Helps the beef brown nicely without heaviness
- Texas Toast bread: Thick enough to hold everything and not go soggy on you
Simple Step Guide
- Get That Perfect Grilled Finish:
- Let the sandwich sizzle, leaving it untouched till golden underneath—usually 1-2 minutes. Slide a big spatula under and flip. Press gently so the cheese works its magic and melts into everything. Grill until both sides are crisp and all gooed up inside, about 1-2 more minutes. Grab a board and slice it on the diagonal so it's ready to dig in.
- Put It All Together:
- Wipe out your pan and put it back over medium heat. Butter one side of Texas toast, lay it butter side down in the pan. Pile on shredded cheddar so it's fully covered. Heap on a good scoop of the hot sloppy joe filling, smoothing it out. Go in with a second cheddar layer to help it all stick. Top with another slice of buttered Texas toast, butter side up this time.
- Make The Filling:
- Pour olive oil into your big skillet and heat it up till it’s shimmering. Toss in the onion and ground beef at the same time. Crumble everything up so there’s no big chunks. Once it’s all browned and the onion’s gone soft—should only take about 3 minutes—dump out any extra grease so the filling doesn’t get too greasy.
- Finish The Sloppy Joe Mix:
- Slide the drained beef and onion back into the pan. Sprinkle with garlic powder, then squirt in ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar. Stir so it’s blended well then let it cook a minute so the flavors come together. Season with salt and pepper, taste test to get it right, then fold in the chopped pickles. Pull it off the heat and throw a lid on the bowl to keep it cozy.
The pickle zing totally makes this sandwich for me. My husband didn't want anything to do with pickles at first—now he asks for more on his half! We've claimed this as our go-to Friday treat during football season.
Easy Prep Ahead
You can whip up the sloppy joe filling as much as three days before, just pop it in a sealed container in the fridge. This way, assembling dinner on a weeknight is a breeze—just toss everything on the bread and grill. Letting the flavors hang out a bit actually makes them blend together even better. Scoop any leftovers into freezer containers, stash them for up to three months. Defrost overnight then reheat it gently with a splash of water so it isn’t dry.
Ways to Make it Yours
This sandwich is a great canvas for personal spins. If you like heat, shake in some red pepper flakes or splash in hot sauce with the meat. Switch in bread and butter pickles if sweet’s your thing. You can mix up the cheese too—pepper jack brings heat, American gets super melty, and provolone gives it a twist. Want it lighter? Go for turkey or chicken instead of beef; just cook through all the way so it’s totally done.
Perfect Pairings
These are awesome all by themselves but go even better with easy sides. Grab some potato chips for the perfect crunch next to all that gooey-ness. A simple green salad and tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness. Really hungry? Dish up sweet potato fries or a bowl of tomato soup. And if you love pickles, extra ones on the side can’t hurt!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I choose a different bread type?
Of course! While Texas Toast is great for its thick and sturdy texture, you can swap it out for sourdough, rye, brioche, or any thicker bread that holds the filling well.
- → What cheese is a good pick for this?
Sharp cheddar delivers strong flavor and melts beautifully, but don’t hesitate to experiment. American cheese gives a creamy touch, pepper jack adds spice, or you can use a mix for unique layers of flavor.
- → Is pre-making the sloppy joe mix okay?
Yep! Prepare the meat mixture up to three days ahead and store it tightly covered in the fridge. Just reheat when you’re ready, so prep is a breeze on busy nights.
- → What sides match well with this dish?
Potato chips and fries are classics, but coleslaw, macaroni salad, or a crisp and simple green salad are also great for balancing the meal’s richness. Add pickle spears if you’re feeling extra zesty!
- → How do I make this sandwich tidier to eat?
To cut down the mess, cool the meat mix a bit before layering it on. Press the sandwich gently during cooking to ‘seal’ the bread edges, and let it sit a minute or two post-cooking for better structure.
- → Can I make a veggie-friendly take on this?
Totally! Replace the beef with plant-based grounds, cooked lentils, or maybe crumbled tempeh. Season the substitute with the same ingredients for that familiar savory-sweet flavor.