Texas Toast Sloppy Joes combine two comfort food classics into one irresistible meal that’s sure to please everyone at your dinner table. The thick, buttery slices of garlic-infused Texas toast create the perfect foundation for the savory-sweet, slightly tangy sloppy joe mixture that’s piled high on top.
This hearty dish transforms the humble sloppy joe into something special, giving it a Texas-sized upgrade that delivers on both flavor and satisfaction. It’s the kind of meal that brings back childhood memories while creating new ones with your family—simple enough for a weeknight dinner but delicious enough to crave again and again.
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something substantial but don’t have hours to cook
- The contrast between the crispy, buttery Texas toast and the saucy meat mixture creates an irresistible texture combination
- Kid-friendly but sophisticated enough for adults to enjoy just as much
- Easily customizable with your favorite toppings or spice level adjustments
- Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup your favorite BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 box (8 slices) frozen garlic Texas toast
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (add more if you’re a cheese lover!)
Instructions
- Heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until nicely browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease when done.
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour in the diced tomatoes (juice and all), ketchup, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar. Stir everything together until well combined. Cover the skillet and let it simmer on medium heat for about 10 minutes, letting all those flavors meld together.
- While your sloppy joe mixture is simmering away, bake the frozen garlic Texas toast according to the package directions until golden and crispy.
- Place your crispy Texas toast pieces on plates. Generously spoon the hot sloppy joe mixture over each piece of toast, then sprinkle with plenty of shredded cheddar cheese. For extra melty goodness, you can pop these under the broiler for a minute or two until the cheese gets bubbly and slightly browned.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier version, add 1-2 tablespoons of 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 ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 days—just reheat and prepare the Texas toast when ready to serve
- Add a slice of pepper jack cheese between the toast and meat mixture for an extra flavor dimension
- For a complete meal-in-one, add a layer of coleslaw on top of the sloppy joe mixture for added crunch and freshness
- If you don’t have Texas toast, any thick-sliced bread brushed with garlic butter will work in a pinch
Serving Suggestions
These Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are hearty enough to stand alone as a meal, but they pair wonderfully with classic sides like potato chips, French fries, or a simple green salad with vinaigrette. For a more substantial spread, serve alongside corn on the cob, pickles, or a cold pasta salad.
For beverages, try an ice-cold sweet tea, lemonade, or your favorite beer to complement the bold flavors of this Texas-inspired dish.
Notes
- Store leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- The mixture can be frozen for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
- You’ll know the sloppy joe mixture is done when it’s thick enough to pile on toast without making it soggy
- For best results, serve immediately after assembling so the Texas toast maintains its crispness
FAQs
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat, onions, and peppers first, then transfer to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 4-5 hours. Prepare the Texas toast just before serving.
How do I prevent the Texas toast from getting soggy?
Make sure your sloppy joe mixture isn’t too watery by simmering until properly thickened. Also, serve immediately after assembling, and consider placing the meat mixture in the center of the toast, leaving some crispy edges.
Can I use store-bought sloppy joe mix instead?
Absolutely! While homemade has better flavor, you can use a packaged sloppy joe mix following package directions. Just add the diced peppers and onions for extra texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat the sloppy joe mixture in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until hot. Always make fresh Texas toast rather than reheating leftover toast, which will become tough.
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