The Texas Toast Sloppy Joe is a hearty and delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe, combining the savory, tangy filling with thick, buttery Texas toast.
This dish offers a comforting and flavorful meal, perfect for a casual dinner or when entertaining guests. The rich combination of ground beef, onions, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce, paired with the melty cheddar cheese on golden Texas toast, makes for a satisfying and indulgent treat.
Whether served for a family dinner or as a quick weeknight meal, these sloppy joes are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients for the Best Texas Toast Sloppy Recipe
Here’s a list of simple ingredients that come together to create a flavorful, hearty meal:
1lb lean ground beef – The main protein that serves as the base of the dish.
2.5 cups chopped onion – Adds sweetness and texture to the filling.
1/2 tsp garlic powder – For an extra layer of flavor.
3/4 cup ketchup – Gives the mixture that tangy-sweet flavor we love in sloppy joes.
2 tsp tomato paste – Adds a rich, concentrated tomato flavor to the sauce.
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce – A key ingredient that brings out the savory, umami notes.
2.5 tsp brown sugar – Balances the acidity of the ketchup and tomato paste, adding a hint of sweetness.
Salt and pepper to taste – Enhances the overall flavor.
4 pieces Green Mill Texas Toast – The thick, buttery bread that’s toasted to perfection, creating the perfect base for your sloppy joe mixture.
1 oz shredded cheddar cheese – For a creamy, melty topping that ties everything together.
Instructions for Texas Toast Sloppy Joe Recipe
Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Add the Onions and Garlic:
Add the chopped onions to the beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Sprinkle in the garlic powder and stir to combine, allowing it to cook for another minute.
Prepare the Sloppy Joe Sauce:
Stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
Mix everything together until the sauce is well combined and the beef is evenly coated.
Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
Prepare the Texas Toast:
While the sloppy joe mixture simmers, toast the Texas Toast according to the package instructions until golden and crispy. If you prefer, you can toast it in the oven or on a griddle.
Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
Once the Texas Toast is ready, place the toasted bread on plates.
Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously over each slice of toast.
Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the sloppy joe mixture while it’s still hot, allowing the cheese to melt.
Serve:
Serve the Texas Toast Sloppy Joes immediately while warm. For a complete meal, pair with your favorite sides like fries, a salad, or coleslaw.
Enjoy this delicious, indulgent twist on the classic sloppy joe!
Variations and Tips for Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
Variations:
Protein Alternatives:
Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
Vegetarian: Use plant-based ground meat or lentils for a meat-free option.
Pulled Pork: For a BBQ-inspired twist, use pulled pork instead of ground beef.
Different Toast Options:
Homemade Garlic Bread: Use garlic bread as the base for added flavor.
Brioche or Ciabatta: Swap the Texas Toast for thick slices of brioche or ciabatta bread for a gourmet touch.
Spicy Sloppy Joes:
Jalapeños or Hot Sauce: Add chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture for some extra heat.
Chipotle Peppers: Add smoked chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy kick.
Cheese Variations:
Cheddar: Use sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor.
Monterey Jack: For a creamy, mild cheese that melts beautifully.
Pepper Jack: For an extra spicy and creamy topping.
Toppings:
Pickles: Add dill pickle slices on top for a tangy crunch.
Coleslaw: Top your sloppy joe with creamy coleslaw for a crunchy and fresh contrast.
Bacon: Add crispy bacon bits on top of the cheese for extra flavor and crunch.
Tips for Success:
Perfect Texture:
If the sloppy joe mixture is too thick, add a little beef broth or water to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken.
Toast Carefully:
To avoid soggy bread, ensure the Texas Toast is toasted until golden brown and crispy. For added crunch, you can toast it a second time just before serving.
Make It Ahead:
The sloppy joe mixture can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it when ready to serve.
Grill the Toast:
For extra flavor, grill the Texas Toast on a griddle or in a pan with a little butter to get a crisp, golden exterior.
Customize the Sauce:
Feel free to adjust the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, or brown sugar to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more brown sugar, or for more tang, increase the Worcestershire sauce.
By experimenting with these variations and tips, you can customize your Texas Toast Sloppy Joes to suit any taste, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal every time!
How to Store Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
Storing the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
Refrigerator:
Let the sloppy joe mixture cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Freezer:
For longer storage, freeze the sloppy joe mixture in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and reheat as usual.
Storing Texas Toast:
Room Temperature:
If you’ve made extra Texas Toast, store it in a resealable bag or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Freezer:
To preserve Texas Toast for longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store it in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, toast it in the oven to restore its crispy texture.
Assembling Leftovers:
Separate the Toast and Sloppy Joe Mixture:
To avoid soggy bread, store the Texas Toast and sloppy joe mixture separately if you plan to have leftovers. Reheat them separately before assembling again.
Reheating Instructions:
Sloppy Joe Mixture:
Reheat the sloppy joe mixture on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.
Texas Toast:
To restore the crispy texture, reheat the Texas Toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, or toast it on a griddle.
By storing the sloppy joe mixture and Texas Toast separately, you can enjoy your leftovers without compromising on flavor and texture!