Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 slices of bread
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 8 slices of cheddar cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Griddle or panini press
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened.
3. Stir in ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Preheat a griddle or panini press to medium-high heat.
5. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
6. Place a slice of cheese on the unbuttered side of 4 slices of bread.
7. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the cheese slices.
8. Top with another slice of cheese and the remaining slices of bread, buttered side up.
9. Place the sandwiches on the griddle or panini press and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
10. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
- Skillet: Medium heat
- Griddle or panini press: Medium-high heat
Serving size:
- Makes 4 sandwiches
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 610
- Fat: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 36g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef.
- Red or yellow bell pepper can be used instead of green bell pepper.
- BBQ sauce can be used instead of ketchup.
- White sugar can be used instead of brown sugar.
- Sourdough or whole wheat bread can be used instead of white bread.
- American or pepper jack cheese can be used instead of cheddar cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced pickles or jalapenos for extra flavor and crunch.
- Use a different type of cheese, such as provolone or Swiss.
- Make the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to drain any excess fat from the ground beef before adding the vegetables and sauce.
- Buttering the bread before grilling will help it become crispy and golden brown.
- Use a spatula to press down on the sandwiches while grilling to help the cheese melt evenly.
Storage instructions:
- Leftover sandwiches can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the sandwich in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Cut the sandwiches in half diagonally and serve on a platter for a fun and easy appetizer.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top for a pop of color and flavor.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of sweet potato fries or potato chips for a classic comfort food meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Coleslaw
- Baked beans
- Macaroni and cheese
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the bread is burning before the cheese is melted, turn down the heat on the griddle or panini press.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Sloppy joes are believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, tangy, and cheesy.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot and enjoy as a main dish or appetizer.
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