This recipe takes classic sloppy joes to the next level by serving them on buttery, garlicky Texas toast. It’s a perfect mix of crispy bread, hearty meat filling, and melty cheese.
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
For the Texas Toast:
- 6 slices Texas toast (thick-cut bread)
- 3 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
Construction (Step-by-Step Instructions)
1. Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Prepare the Texas Toast:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat a griddle pan over medium heat.
- Mix softened butter with garlic powder and spread evenly on both sides of the Texas toast.
- Place the toast on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes per side (or cook on a griddle for 2-3 minutes per side) until golden brown.
3. Assemble the Texas Toast Sloppy Joes:
- Spoon a generous amount of sloppy joe mixture onto each slice of Texas toast.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- (Optional) Broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and gets bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
- BBQ Twist: Swap ketchup for BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
- Tex-Mex Style: Add 1 tsp taco seasoning and top with pepper jack cheese.
- Open-Faced or Sandwich Style: Serve it open-faced or stack two slices for a more filling sandwich.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
Tips for the Best Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
- Crispy Bread: Toast the bread before adding the sloppy joe mixture to prevent sogginess.
- Cheese Choice: Sharp cheddar adds a nice tang, but you can mix in mozzarella for a melty texture.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The sloppy joe mixture can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer Friendly: Freeze extra meat filling in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
This Texas Toast Sloppy Joe recipe is comforting, delicious, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun twist on a classic! Would you like any side dish suggestions to go with it?