Delicious Texas Toast Sloppy Joes: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish
Sloppy Joes are a classic comfort food that have been enjoyed for generations. This recipe puts a tasty twist on the traditional Sloppy Joe by using Texas Toast as the base, adding a buttery and garlic-infused flavor to every bite. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, these Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for added heat)
- 8 slices Texas Toast
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 clove garlic, halved
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- While the Sloppy Joe filling is simmering, prepare the Texas Toast according to the package instructions. Once toasted, spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of Texas Toast, then rub the halved garlic clove over the buttered side for extra flavor.
- To assemble the Texas Toast Sloppy Joes, spoon a generous portion of the Sloppy Joe filling onto one slice of the prepared Texas Toast. Top with another slice of Texas Toast to create a sandwich.
- Garnish the sandwiches with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Cook Notes and Variations
- For a smokier flavor, you can substitute BBQ sauce for some or all of the ketchup in the Sloppy Joe filling.
- If you prefer a sweeter Sloppy Joe, you can increase the amount of brown sugar or add a splash of maple syrup to the filling.
- Feel free to customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper or adding hot sauce to taste.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, you can use plant-based ground meat substitute instead of ground beef.
Keto and Low Carb Versions
For those following a keto or low carb diet, here are some simple modifications to make this recipe keto-friendly:
- Substitute the Texas Toast with low carb bread or use lettuce leaves as wraps.
- Replace the brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia.
- Reduce the amount of onion and bell pepper to lower the carb count.
- Serve the Sloppy Joe filling over a bed of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of using bread.
Conclusion
These Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are a delicious twist on a classic dish that’s sure to please the whole family. With its flavorful Sloppy Joe filling sandwiched between buttery garlic-infused Texas Toast, every bite is a delight. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or simply craving a comforting meal, give this recipe a try for a satisfying and flavorful experience. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make the Sloppy Joe filling ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the Sloppy Joe filling in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the filling on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
- Can I freeze the Sloppy Joe filling? Absolutely! The Sloppy Joe filling freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- What other toppings can I add to my Texas Toast Sloppy Joes? Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Some delicious options include shredded cheese, sliced avocado, pickles, jalapenos, or even a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe? While Texas Toast adds a delicious buttery flavor and sturdy base for the Sloppy Joes, you can certainly use other types of bread such as hamburger buns, ciabatta rolls, or even sandwich bread. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type of bread you choose.
- Is this recipe kid-friendly? Absolutely! Kids love the messy, fun-to-eat nature of Sloppy Joes, and the flavorful Texas Toast adds an extra element of appeal. Feel free to adjust the spiciness level to suit your child’s preferences, and watch them devour these tasty sandwiches with enthusiasm.
- How can I make this recipe dairy-free? To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free spread or margarine, and omit the garlic if desired. Additionally, choose a dairy-free bread option for the Texas Toast.
- Can I add other vegetables to the Sloppy Joe filling? Yes, you can customize the Sloppy Joe filling by adding other vegetables such as diced tomatoes, mushrooms, or even shredded carrots. Just be mindful of the cooking time required for each vegetable to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of tenderness.
