A delightful twist on the classic Sloppy Joe, this Texas Toast version elevates the humble sandwich into a hearty, open-faced meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The combination of savory meat sauce with garlic-infused toast and melted cheese creates a satisfying comfort food experience that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Texas Toast Sloppy Joe recipe offers the perfect balance of convenience and flavor. The crispy, buttery garlic toast provides a sturdy base that stands up to the rich, zesty meat sauce without getting soggy. The melted mozzarella adds a creamy, stretchy element that brings everything together. It’s a quick, no-fuss dinner option that transforms a childhood favorite into something special enough for the whole family. Plus, it’s customizable, allowing you to adjust spice levels and toppings to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef provides the hearty foundation for this dish. The 80/20 ratio offers the perfect balance of lean meat and fat for flavor development while still maintaining a good texture once cooked. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted, though you may want to add a touch more oil to prevent dryness.
Texas Toast Garlic elevates this dish beyond ordinary Sloppy Joes. The thick-cut, pre-buttered and seasoned bread creates a substantial base that can hold up to the hearty topping without getting soggy. The garlic flavor complements the savory meat mixture beautifully.
Sloppy Joe mix packet brings together all the essential seasonings in one convenient package. This blend typically includes paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and other spices that give Sloppy Joes their distinctive tangy-sweet flavor profile. You can substitute with homemade spice blends if you prefer to control the ingredients.
Sloppy Joe sauce adds moisture and intensifies the flavor of the meat mixture. This tomato-based sauce contributes both sweetness and acidity that balances the richness of the beef. In a pinch, you can substitute with a mixture of ketchup and brown sugar.
Shredded mozzarella cheese creates that irresistible melty topping that brings everything together. Mozzarella’s mild flavor won’t compete with the seasoned meat, while its stretchy texture makes for a satisfying bite. Cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend works well too if you want more pronounced cheese flavor.
Fresh parsley serves as an optional garnish that adds a pop of color and a hint of fresh, herbaceous flavor to cut through the richness of the dish. It’s not essential but does elevate the presentation and flavor.
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and arrange frozen Texas toast slices evenly.
- Bake Texas toast according to package instructions.
- While toast bakes, brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. When about 90% cooked, drain excess grease.
- Add Sloppy Joe seasoning to beef and continue cooking until fully cooked.
- Pour in Sloppy Joe sauce, stir, and cook about 5 minutes until thick and well combined.
- Spread the meat mixture evenly over the baked Texas toast slices.
- Sprinkle about ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese on each slice.
- Return to oven and bake for about 5 minutes, until cheese is melted and slightly browned.
- Remove from oven, transfer to plates using a spatula, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 8 hearty servings, making it perfect for family dinners or small gatherings. The entire dish comes together in just 25 minutes – 15 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time. Each serving contains approximately 480 calories, offering a satisfying meal that won’t break your calorie bank. The efficient preparation time makes this an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table quickly.
Variations
Spicy Texas Toast Sloppy Joes: Add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture and substitute pepper jack cheese for the mozzarella for a kick of heat.
Italian-Style: Use Italian seasoning in the meat mixture and top with provolone cheese and fresh basil instead of parsley.
BBQ Twist: Replace the Sloppy Joe sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce and top with cheddar cheese and crispy fried onions.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternative, lentils, or a mixture of chopped mushrooms and walnuts.
Breakfast Version: Make a morning version by using breakfast sausage instead of beef and topping with a fried egg after baking.
Mexican Fiesta: Season the meat with taco seasoning instead of Sloppy Joe mix, use salsa in place of some of the sauce, and top with Mexican cheese blend, avocado slices, and cilantro.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftover assembled Texas Toast Sloppy Joes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store the meat mixture and toast separately if possible.
Freezing: The meat mixture freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Store in freezer-safe containers or bags. It’s not recommended to freeze the assembled toast as the texture will deteriorate.
Reheating: For the best texture, reheat the meat mixture in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through. Toast fresh Texas toast and assemble as directed in the original recipe. If reheating fully assembled leftovers, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted again. Microwaving is possible but may result in a softer texture.
FAQs
Can I make the Sloppy Joe mixture ahead of time?
Yes, the meat mixture can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes assembly even quicker when you’re ready to serve. Simply reheat the mixture on the stovetop before assembling on the toast.
What can I use if I don’t have Texas Toast?
Regular thick-sliced bread, garlic bread, ciabatta, or even hamburger buns can work as substitutes. If using plain bread, consider brushing it with garlic butter before toasting for a similar flavor profile.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
You can use lean ground beef (90/10) or substitute ground turkey or chicken. Consider using whole grain bread instead of Texas toast and reducing the amount of cheese. You can also add finely diced vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to the meat mixture.
Can I make my own Sloppy Joe seasoning instead of using a packet?
Absolutely! Combine 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon each of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, ½ teaspoon mustard powder, and ¼ teaspoon each of salt and black pepper as a homemade alternative.
Why is my Sloppy Joe mixture too runny?
This could happen if you didn’t cook it long enough to reduce the sauce. Continue simmering until it reaches your desired thickness. You can also add a small amount of tomato paste to help thicken it.
What sides go well with Texas Toast Sloppy Joes?
Classic pairings include potato chips, french fries, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad. For a lighter option, steamed vegetables or a fruit salad work well too.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the ground beef first, then combine with seasonings and sauce in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours. Toast the bread and assemble with the meat mixture and cheese just before serving.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free Texas toast or regular bread brushed with olive oil and garlic, and either omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well.
How do I prevent the Texas toast from getting soggy?
Make sure to toast the bread thoroughly before adding the meat mixture. Also, drain excess grease from the meat and ensure the Sloppy Joe mixture isn’t too runny. Serve immediately after assembly for best results.
Can I add vegetables to the meat mixture?
Definitely! Finely diced onions, bell peppers, carrots, or celery make excellent additions. Sauté them with the ground beef for added nutrition and flavor.
Conclusion
Texas Toast Sloppy Joes represent comfort food at its finest – familiar flavors transformed into something even more satisfying. The combination of crispy, garlicky toast, seasoned meat sauce, and melted cheese creates a meal that’s both nostalgic and fresh. What makes this recipe particularly appealing is its versatility and simplicity; it’s easy enough for weeknight dinners yet hearty enough to please a crowd. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore one of the suggested variations, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. The next time you’re craving something comforting yet slightly elevated from the ordinary, give these Texas Toast Sloppy Joes a try – they’re the perfect balance of convenience and indulgence.
Print
Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and delicious twist on traditional Sloppy Joes, served on Texas toast garlic bread and topped with melted mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
- 11.25 ounces Texas Toast Garlic (8 slices)
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
- 1.31 ounces Sloppy Joe mix packet (McCormick or homemade spices)
- 24 ounces Sloppy Joe sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and arrange frozen Texas toast slices evenly.
- Bake Texas toast according to package instructions.
- While toast bakes, brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. When about 90% cooked, drain excess grease.
- Add Sloppy Joe seasoning to beef and continue cooking until fully cooked.
- Pour in Sloppy Joe sauce, stir, and cook about 5 minutes until thick and well combined.
- Spread the meat mixture evenly over the baked Texas toast slices.
- Sprinkle about ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese on each slice.
- Return to oven and bake for about 5 minutes, until cheese is melted and slightly browned.
- Remove from oven, transfer to plates using a spatula, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use homemade Sloppy Joe seasoning for a personalized flavor.
- For extra texture, toast the Texas toast until crispy before adding the meat mixture.
- This recipe is ideal for quick weeknight dinners or family meals.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking & Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
