Texas Toast Sloppy Joe’s

Texas Toast Sloppy Joe’s are a bold and flavorful twist on the classic Sloppy Joe sandwich. Thick, buttery Texas toast is topped with a rich, meaty sauce and gooey melted cheese, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or casual gatherings, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and even easier to devour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Comfort Food Favorite: Combines the nostalgia of Sloppy Joe’s with the indulgence of Texas toast.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or adjust the sauce to your liking.
  • Great for Groups: A filling and budget-friendly meal that feeds a crowd.
  • Irresistible Flavors: Sweet, tangy, savory, and cheesy—all in one dish!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Sloppy Joe Mixture:

  • Ground beef (or turkey)
  • Onion, finely diced
  • Bell pepper, finely diced (optional)
  • Garlic, minced
  • Ketchup
  • Tomato paste
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Mustard
  • Brown sugar
  • Beef broth (or water)
  • Salt and pepper

For the Texas Toast:

  • Pre-packaged Texas toast (garlic-flavored or plain)
  • Butter, softened (if using plain toast)
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)

Directions

Prepare the Sloppy Joe Mixture:

  1. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
  2. Add Vegetables: Stir in the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Make the Sauce: Add ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, and beef broth. Stir to combine. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Toast the Texas Toast:

  1. Prepare the Toast: If using pre-packaged garlic toast, follow the package instructions to bake. If using plain bread, butter both sides and toast on a skillet or in the oven until golden brown.

Assemble and Bake:

  1. Top with Sloppy Joe Mixture: Place the toasted slices on a baking sheet. Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture generously over each slice.
  2. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the meat mixture.
  3. Melt the Cheese: Broil in the oven on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve:

Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: Makes 6-8 slices
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
  • Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils in place of beef.
  • Tex-Mex Twist: Add taco seasoning and top with sliced jalapeños and cilantro.
  • BBQ Flavor: Replace ketchup with BBQ sauce for a smoky sweetness.
  • Low-Carb: Serve the meat mixture over roasted zucchini or cauliflower steaks instead of toast.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftover Sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat the meat mixture in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Re-toast the bread as needed.
  • Freezing: Freeze the Sloppy Joe mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the Sloppy Joe mixture up to 2 days in advance. Reheat and assemble the toasts just before serving.

What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, pepper jack, or Colby Jack are excellent options.

Can I use a different bread?

Thick-cut sourdough or ciabatta can be used as an alternative to Texas toast.

How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Toast the bread thoroughly before adding the meat mixture, and broil immediately to melt the cheese.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken?

Yes, both work well as a leaner alternative to beef.

How do I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

Reduce or omit the brown sugar for a less sweet flavor.

Can I add veggies to the Sloppy Joe mixture?

Yes, diced zucchini, mushrooms, or shredded carrots are great additions.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Serve with coleslaw, potato wedges, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Can I skip the cheese?

Of course! The Sloppy Joe mixture is delicious on its own without the cheese topping.

How do I broil the toast safely?

Keep a close eye on the toast while broiling to avoid burning the cheese.

Conclusion

Texas Toast Sloppy Joe’s are a deliciously messy, cheesy twist on a classic favorite. With their hearty meat topping, buttery toast, and gooey cheese, these open-faced sandwiches are sure to be a hit at any table. Customize the flavors to your liking and enjoy this easy, crowd-pleasing meal in no time!

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Texas Toast Sloppy Joe’s

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Texas Toast Sloppy Joe’s are a bold twist on the classic sandwich. Made with buttery, garlicky Texas toast, topped with a savory sloppy joe mixture and melted cheese, this hearty meal is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the sloppy joe mixture:

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • 1/2 cup (80 g) diced onion
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) diced green bell pepper (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Texas toast:

  • 8 slices of Texas toast or thick-cut bread
  • 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the sloppy joe mixture

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
  2. Once the beef is browned, drain excess fat if needed. Add the onion, bell pepper (if using), and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Step 2: Prepare the Texas toast

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Spread the softened butter evenly on both sides of each slice of Texas toast. Sprinkle each slice with garlic powder.
  3. Place the bread on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes on each side, or until lightly golden.

Step 3: Assemble and bake

  1. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture evenly onto each slice of Texas toast.
  2. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of each toast.
  3. Return to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 4: Serve
Serve the Texas Toast Sloppy Joe’s warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Pair with a side salad or fries for a complete meal.


Notes

  • Make-ahead: Prepare the sloppy joe mixture in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before assembling.
  • Variations: Use ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter option. Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Cheese options: Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of cheeses for variety

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