Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are a fun and delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe recipe. Imagine the comfort of a rich, savory beef filling, seasoned to perfection, piled high on thick, buttery Texas toast with melted cheese on top. The crispy, garlicky bread provides the perfect base for the flavorful, saucy meat, making this dish a favorite for both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a game day feast, or a casual get-together, this Texas Toast Sloppy Joe recipe is guaranteed to impress and satisfy.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Tips for Perfect Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
- Recipe Variations
- FAQs
- Serving Suggestions
- Conclusion
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 slices of Texas toast
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, diced onion, and diced bell pepper. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add Seasoning and Sauce: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Texas Toast: While the beef mixture simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the slices of Texas toast on a baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter and garlic powder. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on both sides of each slice of Texas toast.
- Toast the Bread: Place the baking sheet in the oven and toast the bread for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until both sides are golden brown and crispy.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Once the bread is toasted, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto each slice of Texas toast. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the meat.
- Melt the Cheese: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy the rich, savory goodness of Texas Toast Sloppy Joes!
Tips for Perfect Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
- Use Lean Ground Beef: To avoid an overly greasy filling, use lean ground beef (85% lean or higher). This helps keep the mixture rich without too much excess fat.
- Toast the Bread Well: Texas toast is thick and can handle the saucy filling, but make sure it’s toasted well on both sides to keep it from getting soggy.
- Customize the Sauce: If you like a tangier sloppy joe, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or hot sauce for extra zing.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Sloppy Joes: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy version.
- Cheesy Garlic Texas Toast: Add shredded mozzarella to the Texas toast before toasting it in the oven for an extra cheesy garlic bread base.
- Vegetable-Packed Sloppy Joes: Add finely chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots to the beef mixture to add extra nutrition and texture.
FAQs
Q: Can I use pre-made garlic Texas toast?
A: Yes! Pre-made garlic Texas toast can save time. Simply follow the package instructions for toasting and then proceed with assembling the sloppy joes.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Store leftover Texas toast separately to keep it from getting soggy.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the mixture and prepare the Texas toast as instructed.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Side Salad: Serve with a simple green salad for a fresh and light contrast to the rich, savory sloppy joes.
- Potato Wedges: Pair with crispy potato wedges or French fries for a classic comfort food combination.
- Coleslaw: A side of coleslaw adds a crunchy, refreshing element that complements the rich beef filling.
The Best Texas Toast Sloppy Joe Recipe Ever is a crowd-pleasing, comforting dish that brings a new twist to the classic sloppy joe. The thick, garlicky Texas toast serves as the perfect base for the flavorful beef mixture, topped with melted cheddar cheese. This easy, satisfying meal is ideal for family dinners, game day, or anytime you need a hearty and delicious dish that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the perfect combination of savory, cheesy, and crispy flavors in every bite!