Garlic Toast Sloppy Joe Melts

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Garlic Toast Sloppy Joe Melts

A robust, comforting dinner that comes together quickly.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

  • 1 lb (450g) Lean ground beef or ground turkey

  • 1 small Yellow onion, finely diced

  • 1 Green bell pepper, finely diced

  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced

  • 8 oz (225g) Tomato sauce (ensure it is “no sugar added”)

  • 1 tbsp Tomato paste

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika

  • 1/2 tsp Chili powder

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Sandwich:

  • 4-6 thick slices of Sourdough or whole-grain bread

  • 2 tbsp Butter (softened)

  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder

  • 1/2 tsp Dried parsley

  • 4-6 slices Provolone or Swiss cheese (as seen in the image)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Meat and Veggies: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft.

  2. Season: Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. Simmer the Sauce: Add the tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. The sauce should thicken and coat the meat perfectly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  4. Prepare the Garlic Toast: While the meat simmers, mix the softened butter with garlic powder and dried parsley. Spread this generously on both sides of your bread slices.

  5. Toast the Bread: Heat a separate griddle or skillet over medium heat. Toast the bread slices until golden brown on one side.

  6. Assemble: Flip the bread. On half of the slices, place a slice of cheese, then a generous scoop of the meat mixture, then another slice of cheese. Top with the remaining bread slices (toasted side out).

  7. Melt and Serve: Cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes to help the cheese melt completely. Serve hot and enjoy!

Why This Is a Great “Post-Work” Meal

  • High Protein: Helps with muscle recovery and keeps you full throughout the night.

  • Customizable: You can easily swap the beef for lentils if you want a plant-based version similar to the flatbreads we discussed earlier.

  • Time-Efficient: The filling can be made in one pan in under 20 minutes.

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