Texas Toast Sloppy Joes

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A hearty, open-faced upgrade to the classic American sandwich. Thick, buttery garlic toast provides the perfect sturdy base for a tangy, savory beef filling.

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Cook time: 20 minutes

  • Servings: 6

Ingredients

The Filling:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 is recommended for flavor)

  • 1 small onion, finely diced

  • 1 small green bell pepper, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup tomato sauce (or canned crushed tomatoes)

  • 1/4 cup ketchup

  • 1/4 cup tomato paste (optional, for a richer sauce)

  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)

  • 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

  • 1/2 tsp chili powder & 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional spices)

The Base & Topping:

  • 6 slices frozen Texas toast garlic bread

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (Cheddar, Mozzarella, or Colby Jack)

  • Optional garnish: Chopped fresh parsley or green onions

Instructions

  1. Bake the Toast: Preheat your oven according to the Texas toast package directions (usually 425°F / 220°C). Bake the bread for about 6–8 minutes per side until golden and slightly crisp.

  2. Brown the Beef: While the bread bakes, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.

  3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion, green pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the garlic is fragrant.

  4. Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup (tomato paste if using), Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your liking.

  5. Assemble: Arrange the baked Texas toast slices on a baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture onto each slice.

  6. Melt the Cheese: Top each slice with a handful of shredded cheese. Return the baking sheet to the oven (or under a broiler) for 2–4 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.

  7. Serve: Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve immediately.

Pro-Tips for Success

  • Make it Ahead: You can prepare the beef filling up to 2 days in advance. Just reheat it on the stove with a splash of water before assembling it on fresh toast.

  • Spice it Up: For a kick, add diced jalapeños with the onions or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce into the simmering mixture.

  • Custom Proteins: This recipe works excellently with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or even cooked lentils for a vegetarian option.

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