If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food mash-up, Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are about to become your new obsession. Imagine thick, buttery slices of crispy Texas toast, piled high with rich, saucy sloppy joe meat, and finished with a gooey layer of melted cheese. It’s everything you love about a classic sloppy joe—just upgraded to a whole new level of deliciousness!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Still need convincing? Here’s why this Texas Toast Sloppy Joes recipe is a total game-changer:
✔ A Fun Twist on a Classic – Sloppy joes are already delicious, but serving them over thick, buttery toast takes them to the next level.
✔ Rich, Saucy, and Packed with Flavor – A perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors in every bite.
✔ Quick and Easy – Dinner is ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights.
✔ Perfect for Kids and Adults – Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or a hungry crowd, this meal is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe—just simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together for an unbelievably tasty meal.
For the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
- Ground beef – The star of the dish! I recommend 85/15 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
- Onion – Adds a mild sweetness and depth to the meat mixture.
- Garlic – Because everything is better with garlic! It gives an irresistible aroma and taste.
- Tomato sauce – Forms the base of the sauce, making it rich and smooth.
- Ketchup – Adds just the right amount of sweetness and tang.
- Worcestershire sauce – The secret ingredient that brings a savory, umami depth to the sauce.
- Brown sugar – Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the overall flavor.
- Yellow mustard – A little tang to brighten up the dish.
- Seasonings – Salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat (optional but recommended!).
For the Texas Toast:
- Texas toast (thick-cut bread) – The crispy, buttery base of this dish! It soaks up all that delicious sauce while staying crunchy on the outside.
- Butter & garlic powder – Brushed on the bread before toasting for extra flavor.
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheese – Cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack all melt beautifully on top!
- Fresh parsley or green onions – For a pop of color and freshness.
Note: Full ingredient measurements will be in the recipe card below.
How to Make Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
This recipe is super easy to make and comes together in just a few simple steps. Let’s break it down!
1. Toast the Texas Toast
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place the slices of Texas toast on a baking sheet and brush with butter. Sprinkle with a little garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
2. Cook the Beef Mixture
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
- Drain any excess grease.
3. Add the Flavor
- Stir in the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for another 2 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and seasonings.
- Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until thick and saucy.
4. Assemble the Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
- Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture over each slice of toasted Texas toast.
- If using, sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Optional: Place the assembled toasts under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, and dig in while it’s hot!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Want to take your Texas Toast Sloppy Joes to the next level? Keep these tips in mind for the best results!
1. Use the Right Ground Beef
- I recommend 85/15 ground beef for the perfect mix of flavor and juiciness. If you use leaner beef (like 90/10), you might need to add a splash of beef broth to keep the mixture moist.
2. Toast the Bread Properly
- Texas toast is thicker than regular bread, so it needs a little extra time in the oven to get golden and crispy.
- Flip it halfway through while baking to ensure an even crunch on both sides.
3. Simmer the Sauce for Maximum Flavor
- Don’t rush the sloppy joe mixture! Let it simmer for at least 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and thicken. If it’s too thin, let it cook a little longer.
4. Don’t Skimp on the Seasonings
- The mix of Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and brown sugar gives these sloppy joes their iconic balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.
- If you love a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
5. Broil for Extra Melty Goodness
- If you’re adding cheese, pop the assembled sloppy joes under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. This melts the cheese and gives it a slight golden-brown crust.
- Keep a close eye while broiling so it doesn’t burn!
6. Make It Your Own!
- Want a little extra crunch? Add some sautéed bell peppers to the meat mixture.
- Prefer a BBQ twist? Swap the ketchup for your favorite barbecue sauce.
- Need a low-carb option? Skip the toast and serve the sloppy joe mix over roasted cauliflower steaks or lettuce wraps.
How to Serve Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are already a flavor-packed, satisfying meal, but the right sides can take them to the next level. Here are some of the best ways to serve and pair this dish!
1. Keep It Classic with Crispy Sides
- French fries or tater tots – The perfect crunchy side to soak up any extra sauce.
- Potato wedges – Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside—delicious with a sprinkle of seasoned salt.
- Sweet potato fries – A slightly sweet contrast to the rich, savory sloppy joes.
2. Lighten It Up with a Fresh Salad
- Simple green salad – A mix of lettuce, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
- Coleslaw – Adds a crisp, tangy crunch that pairs beautifully with the sloppy joe mixture.
- Cucumber or tomato salad – Refreshing and easy to throw together!
3. Add a Fun, Crunchy Side
- Pickles – Whether dill or sweet, pickles add a zesty, crunchy bite that cuts through the richness.
- Roasted vegetables – Try roasted zucchini, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers for a healthier side.
- Corn on the cob – Sweet, buttery, and always a hit with sloppy joes!
4. Make It a Full Comfort Meal
- Mac and cheese – The ultimate indulgent pairing. Creamy, cheesy goodness + saucy sloppy joes = pure happiness!
- Baked beans – Smoky, sweet, and packed with flavor—baked beans are a classic pairing for anything sloppy joe-related.
- Garlic mashed potatoes – If you want to go all out, serve your sloppy joe mixture over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes instead of toast.
5. Want a Fun Twist? Try These Variations!
- Sloppy Joe Sliders – Use mini Texas toast slices or Hawaiian rolls for bite-sized versions!
- Loaded Sloppy Joe Nachos – Spoon the sloppy joe mixture over tortilla chips, top with cheese, and broil for an epic game-day snack.
- Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers – Swap the toast for roasted bell peppers for a lower-carb, veggie-packed option.
Make Ahead and Storage
One of the best things about Texas Toast Sloppy Joes is that the meat mixture stores and reheats beautifully, making it a great meal-prep option. Here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty!
Storing Leftovers
- Sloppy Joe Meat: Let the meat mixture cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Texas Toast: If you have leftover toast, store it separately at room temperature for 1-2 days in an airtight bag or container. If it starts to get soft, just re-toast it before serving.
- Assembled Sloppy Joes: I don’t recommend storing them already assembled, as the bread will get soggy. Keep the meat and toast separate for the best texture!
Freezing Instructions
Want to prep ahead for a quick and easy meal later? The sloppy joe meat mixture freezes really well! Here’s how:
- Let the meat mixture cool completely.
- Transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Note: I don’t recommend freezing the Texas toast, as it can lose its crispiness.
Reheating Instructions
- Stovetop: Heat the meat mixture in a pan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed.
- Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- To Reheat Texas Toast:
- If stored at room temp, just toast it again for 2-3 minutes in the oven or air fryer.
- If refrigerated, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until crispy.
If you loved this Texas Toast Sloppy Joes recipe and are craving more comforting, flavor-packed meals, you have to try this creamy and delicious Bacon Pasta! It’s the perfect balance of smoky bacon, rich sauce, and tender pasta—another easy dinner winner!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread instead of Texas toast?
Absolutely! While Texas toast adds that amazing buttery crunch, you can swap it for garlic bread, brioche buns, hamburger rolls, or even thick slices of sourdough. If you want a lower-carb option, try serving the sloppy joe mixture over roasted sweet potatoes or lettuce wraps.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! The sloppy joe meat mixture can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just reheat it when ready to serve and toast the bread fresh for the best texture. If you’re planning further ahead, you can freeze the meat mixture for up to 3 months.
What’s the best cheese to use for topping?
It depends on your taste! Cheddar cheese is a classic choice because it’s sharp and melty, but provolone, pepper jack, mozzarella, or even smoked gouda all work beautifully. If you love spice, try adding a little jalapeño cheddar on top!
Can I make this recipe healthier?
Definitely! Here are a few ways to lighten it up:
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use low-sugar ketchup or reduce the brown sugar in the sauce.
- Serve it over whole wheat toast or a lettuce wrap instead of Texas toast.
- Load it up with extra veggies, like diced bell peppers or mushrooms, to sneak in more nutrition.
🎉 That’s a Wrap! 🎉
You now have everything you need to make the best Texas Toast Sloppy Joes—from the perfect ingredients and step-by-step instructions to pro tips, serving ideas, storage tricks, and FAQs.
I hope you love this recipe as much as I do! When you make it, let me know how it turns out trust me, this one’s a keeper. 😋
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Texas Toast Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. Made with thick, buttery garlic toast and a homemade sloppy joe filling, this easy dinner can be ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or a fun family meal, these sloppy joes are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Sloppy Joe Filling:
1 Tablespoon butter
1/4 cup chopped yellow onion
1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Assembly:
1 box (8 count) Garlic Texas Toast
2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Beef Mixture: Melt butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and ground beef. Cook, crumbling the meat, until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
Simmer the Sloppy Joe Sauce: Stir in the ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let the mixture simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Prepare the Texas Toast: While the sloppy joe mixture simmers, bake the Texas Toast in the oven according to the package directions. Once done, leave them on the baking sheet.
Assemble and Bake: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture evenly over each Texas Toast. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Texas Toast Sloppy Joes!
Notes
For extra flavor, try using sharp cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella.
Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the sloppy joe mixture for more texture and flavor.
Serve with a side salad or coleslaw for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 toast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Texas Toast Sloppy Joes, easy sloppy joes, homemade sloppy joes, garlic toast sloppy joes, 30-minute dinner, cheesy sloppy joes