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This savory sandwich creation combines two classic comfort foods into one irresistible meal. The tangy dill pickles cut through the richness of melted cheese and sloppy joe filling, creating a perfect balance of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with delight.
I first made these sandwiches during a busy sports season when we needed quick dinners between practices. What started as a creative way to use leftover sloppy joe mix has become our most requested sandwich night option.
Ingredients
- Extra virgin olive oil: Provides a clean base for browning the beef without adding heavy flavor
- Lean ground beef: Offers protein without excessive grease making for a cleaner sandwich experience
- Sweet onion: Adds natural sweetness that balances the tanginess of the pickles
- Garlic powder: Infuses flavor throughout the meat mixture without the burn of fresh garlic
- Ketchup: Creates the classic sloppy joe base and adds tomato sweetness
- Yellow mustard: Brings brightness and acidity to cut through the richness
- Brown sugar: Balances the acidity with just enough sweetness
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors; look for coarse kosher variety
- Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth
- Dill pickles: Provide the signature tangy crunch that makes this sandwich special
- Texas Toast bread: Stands up to the hearty filling without becoming soggy
- Cheddar cheese: Creates that perfect melty stretch when pulling the sandwich apart
- Unsalted butter: Creates the golden crispy exterior everyone loves
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Meat Mixture:
- Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat until it shimmers. Add ground beef and diced onions together breaking the meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook thoroughly until no pink remains in the beef and onions have softened into translucency approximately 3 minutes. Drain all excess grease using a colander to ensure a nongreasy sandwich filling.
- Create the Sloppy Joe Sauce:
- Return the drained meat mixture to the skillet. Sprinkle garlic powder evenly over the meat. Add ketchup mustard and brown sugar stirring to combine completely. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 1 minute so the flavors meld together. Season with salt and pepper tasting and adjusting if necessary. Fold in the diced dill pickles ensuring they are distributed evenly throughout the mixture. Transfer the completed sloppy joe filling to a bowl and cover to maintain warmth.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Clean your skillet with a paper towel and return it to medium heat. Take one slice of Texas toast and spread butter generously across one side. Place the bread butter side down in the warm skillet. Immediately sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar on the bread covering the surface completely. Spoon a generous amount of the warm sloppy joe mixture onto the cheese pressing gently to create an even layer. Add another layer of shredded cheese on top of the meat mixture. This double layer of cheese helps seal the sandwich. Take another slice of Texas toast spread butter on one side and place it butter side up on top of the sandwich.
- Grill to Perfection:
- Allow the sandwich to cook undisturbed until the bottom achieves a golden brown color approximately 1 to 2 minutes depending on your heat level. Using a wide spatula carefully flip the entire sandwich over. Press down gently with the spatula to compress the sandwich slightly which helps the cheese melt completely and bind the ingredients. Cook the second side until equally golden brown and the cheese has fully melted about another 1 to 2 minutes. The bread should be crisp and the interior hot and gooey. Transfer to a cutting board slice diagonally and serve immediately.
My absolute favorite part of this sandwich is the surprising pickle flavor that cuts through the richness. My husband initially protested the addition of dill pickles claiming he wasn't a "pickle person" but now specifically requests extra pickles in his portion. It's become our Friday night tradition during football season.
Make-Ahead Options
The sloppy joe filling can be prepared up to three days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes weeknight assembly incredibly quick requiring only the grilling portion of the recipe. The filling actually improves in flavor after a day as the ingredients have time to meld together creating a more complex taste profile. You can also freeze portions of the meat mixture in freezer safe containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop with a splash of water if needed to restore moisture.
Customization Ideas
This sandwich welcomes adaptations based on your family's preferences. For spice lovers add a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. Sweet pickle fans can substitute bread and butter pickles for a milder sweeter flavor profile. The cheese can be changed to suit your taste preferences pepper jack adds nice heat American melts beautifully and provolone offers a more sophisticated flavor. For a lighter version consider using ground turkey or chicken in place of beef adjusting cooking time accordingly to ensure food safety.
Serving Suggestions
While these sandwiches shine as a standalone meal they pair beautifully with simple sides. Classic potato chips provide the perfect crunchy contrast to the soft sandwich. A simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette balances the richness. For heartier appetites sweet potato fries or a cup of tomato soup make excellent companions. And of course extra dill pickle spears on the side are never a mistake especially for pickle enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of bread for this sandwich?
Absolutely! While Texas Toast provides excellent sturdiness for the hearty filling, any thick-cut bread will work. Sourdough, brioche, or artisan bread are excellent alternatives that can hold up to the sloppy joe mixture.
- → What cheese works best for this sandwich?
Sharp cheddar is recommended for its melting properties and bold flavor that stands up to the sloppy joe mixture. However, you could also use American cheese for creamier melting, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or a combination of cheeses.
- → Can I make the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time?
Yes! The sloppy joe mixture can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply reheat before assembling your sandwiches. This makes weeknight dinner prep much faster.
- → What can I serve as sides with this sandwich?
Classic companions include potato chips, french fries, or a simple side salad to balance the richness. Additional dill pickle spears, coleslaw, or macaroni salad also pair beautifully with this hearty sandwich.
- → How can I make this sandwich less messy to eat?
To reduce messiness, let the sloppy joe mixture cool slightly before assembling so it becomes less runny. Press down gently while cooking to seal the edges of the bread, and let the sandwich rest for 1-2 minutes before cutting, which helps the cheese firm up slightly and hold everything together.
- → Can I make a vegetarian version of this sandwich?
Definitely! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives, cooked lentils, or crumbled tempeh. Season the vegetarian base with the same flavor profile for a similar taste experience without the meat.