Providing a twist on two classic comfort foods, the grilled cheese sloppy joe cups recipe offers a delightful blend of cheesy goodness and tangy sloppy joe. With a hint of Worcestershire sauce and a dash of mustard, these cups are a fun and savory way to enjoy dinner.
Most of the ingredients required for this recipe are quite common and likely to be found in your pantry. However, Worcestershire sauce and mustard powder may not be typical in some households. While shopping at the supermarket, make sure to pick these items to ensure the tangy, savory flavor that is characteristic of sloppy joes.
Ingredients for Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joe Cups
Cooking spray: Used to prevent food from sticking to the cooking vessel.
Vegetable oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic.
White onion: Adds a sweet and mild flavor to the recipe.
Garlic: Provides a strong, pungent flavor.
Ground beef: The main protein source in sloppy joes.
Mustard powder: Gives a tangy flavor.
Pepper: Adds heat to the dish.
Salt: Enhances the flavors.
Tomato sauce: Forms the base of the sloppy joe sauce.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory and tangy flavor.
Ketchup: Adds sweetness and tanginess to the sloppy joe sauce.
White bread: Used to form the cups for the sloppy joes.
Butter: Adds richness and helps in browning the bread.
Cheddar cheese: Provides a creamy, sharp flavor and gooey texture.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh and slightly bitter flavor to the dish.
One reader, Bernetta Sutherland says:
I recently tried the grilled cheese sloppy joe cups recipe and it was a game-changer! The combination of gooey cheese and savory sloppy joe filling was absolutely delicious. The recipe was easy to follow and the end result was a hit with my family. I'll definitely be making this again!
Techniques Required for Making Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joe Cups
How to preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350˚F (180˚C) before starting the recipe to ensure it reaches the desired temperature by the time you need to bake the sloppy joe cups.
How to sauté onions: In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the diced onions and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent.
How to brown ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook over medium heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is browned, usually about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat before proceeding with the recipe.
How to melt cheese: When assembling the sloppy joe cups, bake them for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted. Ensure the cheese is evenly distributed and watch for it to become gooey and bubbly.
How to garnish with parsley: Once the sloppy joe cups are ready, garnish them with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
How To Make Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joe Cups
Level up your usual sandwiches by whipping up these filling sloppy joe cups! They’re stuffed with tender beef and gooey cheese, then baked til’ golden.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1nonstick cooking spray
- 1tbspvegetable oil
- ½large white onion,chopped
- 2garlic cloves,minced
- 1lbground beef
- 1tspmustard powder
- ½tsppepper
- 1tspsalt
- 8oztomato sauce,(1 can)
- 2tspworcestershire sauce
- ¼cupketchup
- 8white bread slices
- 2tspbutter,melted
- ¾cupcheddar cheese,shredded, divided
- fresh parsley,chopped, for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 6-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray.
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Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, until the onion is translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another to -2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, for about 5 minutes, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
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Add the mustard powder, pepper, and salt. Stir to combine, then add the tomato sauce, and cook for 5 minutes until liquid is cooked down.
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Add the Worcestershire sauce and ketchup and cook for 10 minutes, until most of the liquid has evaporated. Remove the pan from the heat.
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Slice the crusts off the bread. Quarter 2 of the slices to make small squares, leaving the remaining 6 slices whole.
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Press the whole slices of bread into the cups of the greased muffin tin, and brush with melted butter. Add 1 tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese to each cup, and top with a quartered piece of bread. Brush the bread with melted butter.
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Bake for 10 minutes, until the cheese melted.
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Scoop 2 tablespoons of sloppy joe mixture into each cup, and top with another tablespoon of cheddar.
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Bake for another 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the cups are firm.
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Garnish with parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 424.75kcal
- Fat: 25.89g
- Saturated Fat: 10.23g
- Trans Fat: 1.17g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.45g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.76g
- Carbohydrates: 26.05g
- Fiber: 2.54g
- Sugar: 6.58g
- Protein: 22.04g
- Cholesterol: 73.89mg
- Sodium: 643.25mg
- Calcium: 195.02mg
- Potassium: 480.10mg
- Iron: 3.56mg
- Vitamin A: 76.68µg
- Vitamin C: 7.30mg
Helpful Technique for Perfecting Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joe Cups
When preparing the sloppy joe mixture, it's important to let the liquid evaporate sufficiently before removing it from the heat. This will ensure that the mixture is thick and hearty, and not too runny. This will prevent the bread cups from becoming soggy when the mixture is added. Also, when pressing the bread into the muffin tin, make sure to press firmly so the bread forms a sturdy cup that can hold the sloppy joe mixture and cheese.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Brown the ground beef, chop the onions, and mix the sloppy joe sauce in advance to save time when assembling the grilled cheese sloppy joe cups.
Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheese to skip the time-consuming step of grating the cheese yourself.
Batch cooking: Make a larger batch of the sloppy joe mixture and freeze the extra for future use, saving time on a busy day.
Multitask: While the cups are baking, use that time to clean up the kitchen or prepare a simple side dish to accompany the meal.
Plan the steps: Review the recipe and plan out the steps in advance to streamline the cooking process and avoid any last-minute confusion.
Substitute Ingredients For Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joe Cups Recipe
cooking spray - Substitute with olive oil spray: Olive oil spray can provide a similar non-stick coating and adds a hint of flavor to the dish.
vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable replacement for vegetable oil.
white onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions have a slightly stronger flavor but can be used as a substitute for white onions in most recipes.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a similar flavor without the need for mincing or chopping.
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef, offering a similar texture and flavor.
mustard powder - Substitute with prepared mustard: Prepared mustard can be used as a substitute for mustard powder, adding a tangy flavor to the dish.
white bread - Substitute with whole wheat bread: Whole wheat bread can be used as a healthier alternative to white bread, adding a nutty flavor and extra fiber to the dish.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a substitute for butter in some recipes, providing a healthier fat option.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese can be used as a substitute for cheddar, providing a mild and creamy flavor to the dish.
Best Way to Present Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joe Cups
Elevate the grilled cheese: Instead of using regular white bread, consider using a high-quality artisanal bread, such as a sourdough or a rustic whole grain loaf, to add depth and complexity to the dish.
Garnish with finesse: Sprinkle a pinch of freshly chopped chives or microgreens on top of the grilled cheese sloppy joe cups to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the presentation.
Incorporate a complementary side: Serve the grilled cheese sloppy joe cups alongside a small arugula salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the dish.
Play with height and texture: Consider serving the grilled cheese sloppy joe cups on a sleek rectangular plate, and add a drizzle of balsamic reduction around the cups for an elegant touch. This will create visual interest and elevate the overall presentation.
Attention to detail: Use a fine sieve to lightly dust a small amount of smoked paprika over the plated dish for a subtle smoky aroma and a hint of warmth, enhancing the sensory experience for the diners.
Essential Tools for Making This Recipe
Cooking spray: Used to grease the muffin tin and prevent the food from sticking.
Skillet: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic, as well as browning the ground beef.
Wooden spoon: Used for breaking up the ground beef while cooking.
Muffin tin: Used to shape and bake the grilled cheese sloppy joe cups.
Oven: Used for baking the grilled cheese sloppy joe cups.
Brush: Used to apply melted butter to the bread slices.
Food processor: Not used in this recipe.
Mixing bowl: Not used in this recipe.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the mustard powder, pepper, and salt.
Cheese grater: Used to grate the cheddar cheese.
Knife: Used for slicing the onion and garlic.
Cutting board: Used as a surface for chopping the onion and garlic.
Baking sheet: Not used in this recipe.
Spatula: Used for scooping the sloppy joe mixture into the bread cups.
Pastry brush: Used to brush melted butter onto the bread slices.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joe Cups
- To store leftover grilled cheese sloppy joe cups, allow them to cool completely to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container or wrapping them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- When ready to reheat, place the cups on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted again.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the cooled cups by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then placing them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Label the container with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat frozen grilled cheese sloppy joe cups, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the frozen cups directly from the freezer by placing them on a baking sheet and heating them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How to Reheat Leftover Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joe Cups
The best way to reheat leftover grilled cheese sloppy joe cups is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and place the cups on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the cups are heated through.
Another option is to use a toaster oven. Set the toaster oven to 350°F (180°C) and place the cups on the wire rack. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the cups are warmed through. This method is perfect for reheating smaller portions.
If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat the cups in the microwave. Place the cups on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 30-45 seconds, or until the cheese is melted and the cups are heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as the bread can become soggy.
For a crispy texture, you can reheat the cups in a skillet on the stovetop. Melt a small amount of butter in the skillet over medium heat. Place the cups in the skillet and heat for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.
If you have an air fryer, you can also use it to reheat the cups. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and place the cups in the basket. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the cups are heated through. This method will give you a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft and gooey center.
Interesting Trivia About Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joe Cups
Grilled cheese sloppy joe cups are a fun twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich. They are perfect for parties or as a tasty snack. These cups are a great way to enjoy the flavors of a sloppy joe in a convenient and portable form. Plus, they can be easily customized with different types of cheese or additional toppings to suit your taste preferences.
Is Making Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joe Cups at Home Cost-Effective?
This grilled cheese sloppy joe cups recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as ground beef, onion, and bread, are commonly found and affordable. The dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a hit with both kids and adults. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall Verdict: 9.
Is This Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This grilled cheese sloppy joe cups recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:
- High saturated fat content from the ground beef and cheddar cheese
- Refined carbohydrates from the white bread
- Sodium content from the salt, tomato sauce, and ketchup
- Lack of vegetables or fiber-rich ingredients
However, with a few tweaks, this recipe can be made more nutritious without sacrificing taste.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Swap the ground beef for lean ground turkey or a plant-based alternative like lentils or crumbled tofu
- Use whole wheat or multigrain bread instead of white bread for added fiber and nutrients
- Reduce the amount of cheese used or opt for a lower-fat variety
- Incorporate more vegetables into the sloppy joe mixture, such as diced bell peppers, grated carrots, or even finely chopped spinach
- Cut back on the salt and use low-sodium tomato sauce and ketchup to reduce the overall sodium content
- Serve the cups with a side salad or raw vegetable sticks to boost the meal's overall nutritional value
By making these adjustments, you can transform this comfort food classic into a more balanced and nourishing meal that still satisfies your cravings for a savory, cheesy treat.
Editor's Opinion on Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joe Cups
The Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joe Cups recipe is a delightful fusion of comfort food and creativity. The combination of savory sloppy joe filling and gooey cheddar cheese nestled within a crispy bread cup offers a playful twist on a classic favorite. The method of baking the cups ensures a perfect melding of flavors and textures, resulting in a delightful appetizer or snack. The recipe's simplicity and versatility make it a standout choice for casual gatherings or family meals. Enjoy the delightful flavors and playful presentation of this dish!
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Why trust this Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joe Cups Recipe:
This recipe offers a delicious twist on the classic grilled cheese and sloppy joe by combining them into convenient, flavorful cups. The savory ground beef is seasoned with mustard powder, worcestershire sauce, and ketchup, creating a rich and satisfying filling. The use of cheddar cheese and butter adds a delightful creaminess to the dish, while the addition of fresh parsley provides a pop of freshness. With carefully selected ingredients and detailed instructions, this recipe promises a delightful and comforting meal that's perfect for any occasion.
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