Texas Toast Sloppy Joes combine two comfort food classics into one irresistible meal that’s guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. The thick, buttery slices of Texas toast create the perfect foundation for the savory-sweet sloppy joe mixture that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.
This nostalgic dish gets a delicious upgrade that transforms a weeknight staple into something special enough for casual entertaining. Ready in about 45 minutes from start to finish, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing dinner that balances convenience with that homemade touch we all crave.
Why You’ll Love This
- The buttery, garlic-infused Texas toast adds a delicious twist to traditional sloppy joes
- One-pan meat mixture means minimal cleanup after dinner
- Kid-approved but sophisticated enough for adults to enjoy
- Perfect make-ahead option – the filling actually tastes better the next day
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and spice level
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup bottled barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 box (8 slices) frozen garlic Texas toast
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or more to taste)
Instructions
- Brown and crumble 1 pound ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess grease.
- Return meat to skillet and add diced tomatoes, ketchup, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar. Stir until well combined.
- Cover and cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes. While this is cooking, prepare the frozen garlic Texas toast according to package directions.
- When garlic Texas toast is ready, spoon the filling on top of each slice and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. If you prefer melted cheese, you can put these in the oven briefly to brown the cheese on top.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture
- Ground turkey can be substituted for beef for a lighter option
- Make the sloppy joe mixture a day ahead and reheat when ready to serve – the flavors develop beautifully overnight
- Try adding a slice of tomato or some crispy bacon between the meat and top slice of toast
- For an open-faced version, top each slice with meat mixture and cheese, then broil until cheese is bubbly
- If you can’t find Texas toast, use thick-sliced bread and add extra garlic butter
Serving Suggestions
These hearty Texas Toast Sloppy Joes pair perfectly with crispy tater tots, sweet potato fries, or a simple side salad to balance the meal. For a complete comfort food experience, serve alongside some tangy coleslaw or pickle spears to cut through the richness.
For casual entertaining, set up a sloppy joe bar with the Texas toast and filling as the base, then let guests customize with toppings like pickled jalapeños, diced red onion, extra cheese, or even a fried egg for the adventurous eaters.
Notes
- Leftover sloppy joe mixture can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months
- The mixture should be thick enough to stay on the toast but still moist – if too dry, add a splash of beef broth
- For best results, serve immediately after assembly to prevent the toast from becoming soggy
- The sloppy joe mixture is done when it has thickened and has a rich, deep color
FAQs
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternative, lentils, or crumbled tempeh. Adjust seasonings as needed since these options may absorb flavors differently.
How do I prevent my Texas toast from getting soggy?
Make sure to toast the bread until it’s crispy and golden. Serve immediately after assembling, and don’t overload with the sloppy joe mixture.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the meat first, then add all ingredients (except the Texas toast) to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Prepare the Texas toast just before serving.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat the sloppy joe mixture in a skillet or microwave until hot. Make fresh Texas toast when you’re ready to serve the leftovers for the best texture and flavor.
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