There’s something irresistibly comforting about a good sloppy joe sandwich, but when you transform it into Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Toast, you’ve created the ultimate comfort food mashup. This dish combines the tangy, savory goodness of homemade sloppy joe meat with the buttery crunch of garlic toast, all topped with melty cheese that pulls in long, satisfying strings with every bite.
Perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend gatherings, this elevated take on a classic American favorite will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. The combination of flavors and textures hits all the right notes – savory, slightly sweet, garlicky, crunchy, and gooey all at once.
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish – perfect for weeknight dinners
- Uses simple pantry staples you likely already have on hand
- Kid-friendly but sophisticated enough for adults to enjoy
- Perfectly portable for game days or casual gatherings
- Versatile recipe that can be easily customized to your taste preferences
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 pieces frozen garlic toast
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking for 6-8 minutes while breaking up the meat with a spatula until no pink remains and onions are softened. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder to the beef mixture. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
- Place the frozen garlic toast pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Top each piece with a generous scoop of the sloppy joe mixture, spreading it evenly to the edges.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each loaded toast. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. These are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or easy dinner served with a side salad.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier version, add a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
- Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Make it vegetarian by substituting the meat with lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
- For extra flavor, mix different cheeses like monterey jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella with the cheddar.
- Prep the sloppy joe mixture up to 2 days ahead and store in the refrigerator for an even quicker meal.
- Add a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits on top for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Toast with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish. For a more substantial meal, pair with crispy potato wedges or sweet potato fries for dipping into any extra sloppy joe sauce.
This dish also goes wonderfully with pickles on the side – the tangy crunch provides a perfect contrast to the savory, cheesy goodness of the main dish.
Notes
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to maintain the crispy texture of the bread.
- The sloppy joe mixture freezes well for up to 3 months – perfect for meal prep!
- For best results, use a sturdy bread that can hold up to the weight of the toppings.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The sloppy joe mixture can be made 1-2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving.
What’s the best bread to use for this recipe?
A sturdy French bread or Italian loaf works best as it can hold the weight of the toppings without getting soggy.
Can I freeze leftovers?
The meat mixture freezes well, but assembled garlic toast doesn’t. For best results, freeze only the meat mixture and prepare fresh garlic toast when ready to serve.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply substitute the French bread with your favorite gluten-free baguette or bread, and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free (some brands contain malt vinegar).
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