Texas Toast Sloppy Joes: A Hearty, Cheesy, and Utterly Delicious Mash-Up!
Say goodbye to flimsy buns and hello to the ultimate Sloppy Joe experience! This recipe takes your beloved, tangy, and savory Sloppy Joe filling and pairs it with the sturdy, buttery goodness of Texas Toast, then adds a layer of melty cheese for pure comfort. It’s a quick, satisfying family favorite that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, game day, or any time you need a comforting, easy meal that everyone will devour.
Why These Sloppy Joes Are a Game-Changer
- Sturdy Foundation: Texas Toast stands up to the “sloppy” goodness of the filling without falling apart, making it easier (and more satisfying!) to eat.
- Buttery Crunch: The toasted bread adds a fantastic texture and rich flavor that elevates the classic.
- Cheesy Goodness: A layer of melted cheese takes this comfort food to the next level.
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy evenings, coming together in under 30 minutes.
- Family-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to create your irresistible Texas Toast Sloppy Joes:
Ingredients:
- 8 slices Texas Toast (garlic Texas toast works great for extra flavor, or plain)
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean/fat ratio recommended for flavor)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (optional, but recommended for flavor)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional, but adds nice flavor and color)
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar-Monterey Jack blend)
- Optional: Pickles or potato chips for serving
Instructions: Build Your Sloppy Masterpiece!
1. Cook the Ground Beef and Veggies:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. If using, add the diced yellow onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
2. Simmer the Sloppy Joe Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder into the skillet with the beef mixture. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
3. Prepare the Texas Toast:
While the Sloppy Joe filling is simmering, prepare your Texas Toast. You can either:
- Toaster/Toaster Oven: Toast according to package directions until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place Texas Toast slices on a baking sheet and bake for 5-8 minutes, or until golden and heated through.
- Skillet: Melt a little butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toast the Texas Toast slices for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
4. Assemble and Melt the Cheese:
Once the Texas Toast is ready, place 4 slices on a baking sheet (if not already there). Spoon a generous amount of the warm Sloppy Joe filling over each of these 4 slices of Texas Toast. Top the filling with about ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese per slice. Place the remaining 4 slices of Texas Toast (no filling) on the baking sheet alongside the topped ones. Return the baking sheet to the preheated oven (or toaster oven) for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the plain Texas Toast is warm.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Place a cheesy Sloppy Joe-topped Texas Toast slice onto a plate. Top with a plain, warm slice of Texas Toast to make a sandwich. Serve immediately with optional pickles or a side of crispy potato chips.
Tips for Sloppy Joe Success
- Don’t Skimp on the Toast: Using pre-buttered, thicker Texas Toast is key to this recipe’s success. It provides the perfect sturdy base.
- Adjust Sweetness/Tang: Taste the Sloppy Joe sauce as it simmers. Add a little more brown sugar for sweetness or a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tang, if desired.
- Veggie Boost: Feel free to add other finely diced vegetables to the ground beef, such as carrots or celery, for extra nutrients and texture.
- Make Ahead: The Sloppy Joe filling can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop before assembling.
- Storage: Store leftover Sloppy Joe filling and Texas Toast separately. Assemble just before eating.
Get ready for a delightfully messy and utterly delicious meal with these Texas Toast Sloppy Joes! They’re a quick, satisfying answer to those comfort food cravings.