Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are a delicious twist on the classic Sloppy Joe recipe, combining the rich, tangy flavors of a traditional Sloppy Joe with the crispy, garlicky goodness of Texas toast. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal that the whole family will love, and it’s simple enough to whip up in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef: This provides the protein base for your sloppy joes. Ground beef is hearty and absorbs the rich sauce beautifully, making every bite flavorful.
- 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add juiciness and a rich tomato flavor to the sloppy joe mixture. You can opt for fire-roasted tomatoes for an added smoky depth.
- 1 cup ketchup: Ketchup enhances the tomato flavor and adds a touch of sweetness to the dish, balancing the tanginess of the tomatoes.
- ½ cup bottled barbecue sauce: This ingredient adds a smoky, tangy element, elevating the sloppy joe mixture with a robust flavor.
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Worcestershire sauce is key for adding depth and umami, making the sauce complex and savory.
- 2 Tablespoons sugar: Sugar balances the acidity from the tomatoes and barbecue sauce, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
- 1 box (8 slices) frozen garlic Texas toast: Texas toast serves as the crispy, flavorful base for your sloppy joes. The garlic flavor pairs perfectly with the rich meat mixture.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or more to taste): Shredded cheddar cheese adds a rich, melty topping that brings all the flavors together in a satisfying bite.
Instructions:
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- Begin by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break the beef into small crumbles as it cooks, ensuring that it browns evenly. Once the beef is fully cooked and no pink remains, drain off any excess fat to avoid a greasy sauce.
- Prepare the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
- To the browned beef, add the can of diced tomatoes (do not drain), ketchup, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar. Stir everything together until the ingredients are well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once it begins to bubble, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich, thick sauce that coats the beef perfectly.
- Prepare the Texas Toast:
- While the sloppy joe mixture simmers, prepare the Texas toast according to the package directions. Typically, you’ll bake the garlic Texas toast in the oven at 425°F for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s golden brown and crispy. You want the toast to be crisp enough to hold up under the weight of the sloppy joe mixture.
- Assemble the Texas Toast Sloppy Joes:
- Once the toast is ready, place the slices on a large serving platter or individual plates. Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture onto each slice of Texas toast, spreading it evenly.
- Add the Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the sloppy joe mixture. You can add as much or as little cheese as you like, but a generous amount will ensure that every bite is cheesy and delicious.
- If you prefer your cheese melted, you can place the assembled Texas Toast Sloppy Joes under the broiler for a minute or two until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Serve:
- Serve your Texas Toast Sloppy Joes hot, garnished with additional cheddar cheese or chopped parsley if desired. These are perfect on their own or paired with a side salad, fries, or roasted vegetables.
Tips and Variations:
- Spicy Kick: If you like your sloppy joes with a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- Alternative Meats: Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef. The flavor will be slightly different, but just as delicious.
- Make it a Casserole: For a fun twist, you can layer the Texas toast in a casserole dish, spoon the sloppy joe mixture over it, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly and hot.
Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the best of two comfort food favorites. The crispy, garlicky toast paired with the rich, savory sloppy joe mixture and melty cheddar cheese makes for a meal that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. Whether you’re serving these for a family dinner or at a casual get-together, they’re sure to be a hit. Enjoy this easy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week!
