Texas Toast Sloppy Joes

Texas Toast Sloppy Joes bring together juicy BBQ-flavored beef served on buttery garlic Texas toast topped with gooey cheddar. This recipe turns classic comfort food into a quick weeknight dinner that feels a little extra special.

I remember making this on a rainy Friday when the family was craving takeout but we wanted to stay home. It quickly became our go to when we want something cozy but fast.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: The base of the filling Use lean for healthier results or regular for extra flavor
• Diced tomatoes: Brings juiciness and some texture Look for cans with no extra flavors or low sodium
• Ketchup: Adds tang and sweetness Try to pick a ketchup that is not too high in added sugar
• Bottled barbecue sauce: Delivers smoky Southern flavor Choose your favorite brand just make sure it is not too watery
• Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the savoriness and boosts umami
• Sugar: Balances out the acidity and adds a hint of caramelized flavor Use white or light brown sugar
• Frozen garlic Texas toast: Crispy garlicky foundation Go for thick cut and try to avoid those with lots of artificial additives
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and gives that classic sloppy joe finish Opt for cheddar that is freshly grated for best melt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Meat:

Crumble ground beef into a large skillet and cook over medium high heat Stir often and keep it moving so it browns evenly and does not steam Remove from heat and drain off all excess fat You want crisp tasty bits without greasiness

Build the Sauce:

Return the drained beef to the skillet Stir in diced tomatoes ketchup barbecue sauce Worcestershire sauce and sugar Mix thoroughly to make sure every bit of meat is coated

Simmer for Depth:

Cover the skillet and set the heat to medium Let it gently bubble for about ten minutes You are aiming for flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken Stir halfway through to prevent anything from sticking

Toast the Bread:

Bake frozen garlic Texas toast according to package instructions For best crunch lay the pieces out evenly on a baking sheet Do not crowd Them The bread should be golden and sizzling

Assemble and Cheese:

Spoon a generous scoop of the sloppy joe mixture on top of each piece of hot garlic toast immediately while the bread is crisp Sprinkle with cheddar cheese If you want the cheese fully melted and bubbling pop the tray under the broiler for a minute or two

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My favorite part is sneaking little extra cheddar on top just before it goes under the broiler The melted cheese layer makes every bite even better My best memories of this recipe are from family movie nights when we all reached for seconds before the opening credits finished

How to Store Leftovers

Keep any leftover meat sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for three days Store the Texas toast separately at room temperature or in the freezer Reheat the meat mixture on the stove or microwave Add fresh Texas toast and cheese for best results

Ingredient Swaps

If you want to cut down on fat use ground turkey instead of beef For the bread any thick sliced sourdough or French could work in a pinch Monterey jack or a blend of cheeses gives a creamier cheesy finish For extra vegetables add diced bell peppers or onions when browning the meat

Great Ways to Serve

Serve with crisp coleslaw on the side to cut the richness For gatherings make smaller pieces of Texas toast for appetizer style bites You can also spoon the filling over baked potatoes for something different

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A Little History

Sloppy Joes have roots in early twentieth century American lunch counters They were called loose meat sandwiches before ketchup and BBQ flavors made them a household staple The Texas toast twist gives them an irresistible Southern spin

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh bread instead of frozen Texas toast?

Yes, thick slices of fresh bread brushed with garlic butter and toasted can substitute for frozen Texas toast.

→ What type of cheese works best as a topping?

Cheddar is traditional, but Monterey Jack or a blend of cheeses also provide great melt and flavor.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add minced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for added heat.

→ Can I prepare the meat mixture in advance?

Absolutely—make the filling ahead and refrigerate. Reheat before assembling for easy weeknight meals.

→ Is there a way to lighten up this dish?

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and opt for reduced-fat cheese to lower calories.