Heat a large skillet over medium heat; add beef and brown; cook until no longer pink. Drain if there is an excess of liquid.
Add to beef, the ketchup, sugar, mustard and garlic powder; stir to combine. Cook for 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium high heat. Assemble sandwich by adding meat and cheese to whole grain bread.
Butter the outside of sandwich and place on grill. (You can also use a panini press if you have one) Heat until browned and cheese melted; flipping to cook both sides of sandwich.