How to Create Perfect Texas Toast Sloppy Joes

Perfect Meat-to-Sauce Ratio

Simmering until just thick enough ensures the mixture is saucy without making the toast soggy.

Layered Assembly Technique

Adding cheese between the hot meat and second slice of toast creates the ideal melting environment.

Strategic Vegetable Cooking

Adding onions and peppers partway through browning the beef allows them to soften perfectly without overcooking.

Texas Toast Timing

Toasting the bread just before serving maintains optimal crispness against the saucy filling.

Baking Tips

For an extra flavor boost, mix 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon of Italian seasoning into the softened butter before spreading on the Texas toast.

Make the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve for an even quicker meal.

Try using different cheese varieties like pepper jack for a spicy kick or provolone for a milder flavor.

For a less messy eating experience, let the sloppy joe mixture cool slightly before assembling - it will thicken more as it cools.

Add 1/4 cup of diced pickled jalapeños to the meat mixture for extra heat and flavor.

Make it a complete meal by serving with a side of crispy potato wedges or a simple green salad.

Texas Toast Sloppy Joes

Name: Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 slices Texas toast (frozen garlic bread style); 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean to fat ratio); 1 large onion, finely diced; 1 green bell pepper, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat); 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend of choice); 2 tablespoons butter, softened (optional - for extra toasting); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

This Texas Toast Sloppy Joe recipe elevates the classic sandwich to new heights by replacing regular buns with thick, buttery, garlic-infused Texas toast. The hearty, seasoned beef mixture simmers in a slightly sweet and tangy sauce until perfectly thick, then gets piled high on crispy Texas toast and topped with melty cheese. It's comfort food at its finest - messy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or anytime you're craving a delicious twist on a beloved American classic.

Prep Time

10 Minutes

Cook Time

25 Minutes

Total Time

35 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

12 slices Texas toast (frozen garlic bread style)

2 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean to fat ratio)

1 large onion, finely diced

1 green bell pepper, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup ketchup

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend of choice)

2 tablespoons butter, softened (optional - for extra toasting)

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

When beef is about halfway cooked (still some pink showing), add diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Continue cooking until beef is browned and vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes total.

Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons in the pan for flavor.

Reduce heat to medium-low and add ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).

Stir well to combine all ingredients and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to desired consistency. If mixture becomes too thick, add a splash of water or beef broth.

While the sloppy joe mixture simmers, preheat oven according to Texas toast package directions (usually 425°F/220°C).

Arrange Texas toast slices on a baking sheet and bake according to package instructions until golden and crispy, usually 5-6 minutes.

Once the Texas toast is done, remove from oven but leave the oven on.

Top 6 slices of Texas toast with the hot sloppy joe mixture, dividing it evenly.

Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the sloppy joe mixture.

Return to oven for 2-3 minutes, just until cheese melts.

Remove from oven and top each with remaining slices of Texas toast to create sandwiches.

Cut in half diagonally if desired and serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley.

Texas Toast Sloppy Joes

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

How to Create Perfect Texas Toast Sloppy Joes

Texas Toast Sloppy Joes

Ingredients

Instructions