Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone

Introduction

The Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone is one of those recipes that quickly becomes a family favorite. When I first made this dish, I was a bit unsure of how the smoky barbecue flavor would mix with the sloppy joe sauce, but the result was amazing! The smoky, savory meat mixture paired perfectly with the cheesy, garlicky Texas toast, making each bite a delicious experience. My family couldn’t get enough of it and has asked me to make it again several times. It’s an easy, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a satisfying, hearty dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a simple yet delicious dinner, Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone is sure to please.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef (cooked and drained)
• 2 cans sloppy joe sauce (Del Monte Smokey BBQ flavor, or any brand with a smoky flavor, or you can add liquid smoke to regular sloppy joe sauce)
• 2 boxes Texas Toast garlic bread with cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (or sliced provolone cheese)
• 2 slices garlic keto toast (optional, for a low-carb version)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ground Beef: Begin by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat.
2. Mix with Sloppy Joe Sauce: Add the two cans of sloppy joe sauce to the cooked ground beef, stirring until well combined. If you’re using regular sloppy joe sauce, you can add a few drops of liquid smoke for that smoky flavor. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the flavors meld together.
3. Prepare the Garlic Toast: While the meat mixture is simmering, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the garlic bread with cheese (Texas Toast) on a baking sheet. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes, or until it’s slightly crispy and golden.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches: After the garlic toast has baked for 5 minutes, remove it from the oven. Spoon the smoky sloppy joe mixture generously onto each piece of garlic toast. Then, top with shredded mozzarella or a slice of provolone cheese.
5. Bake the Sandwiches: Return the toast to the oven and bake for an additional 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The result is a deliciously gooey, cheesy, smoky sandwich.
6. Optional Keto Version: For a low-carb or keto-friendly option, substitute regular Texas Toast with garlic keto toast. Follow the same steps for assembly and baking.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the sandwiches from the oven, serve, and enjoy the melty, smoky goodness!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 6 servings (based on 2 slices of Texas toast per serving)
• Calories per Serving: 600-700 calories (depending on the brand of bread and cheese used)
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15-20 minutes
• Total time: 25-30 minutes

How to Serve

• As a main dish: Serve these Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone sandwiches as a hearty meal, either on their own or paired with a side dish like salad or fries.
• With a side of chips: Serve alongside some crispy chips for a classic diner-style meal.
• As a party dish: These sandwiches are great for parties or gatherings. They’re easy to make in large batches and will keep everyone satisfied.
• For a family meal: Perfect for feeding the whole family with minimal effort.

Additional Tips

1. Use a Quality Sloppy Joe Sauce: The sauce is key to the flavor of this dish. If you can’t find Del Monte’s Smokey BBQ sauce, any smoky-flavored sloppy joe sauce will do. You can even make your own smoky sauce by adding a little barbecue sauce and liquid smoke to regular sloppy joe sauce.
2. Try Different Cheeses: If you don’t have provolone cheese, mozzarella works just as well. For an extra kick, you could even try using pepper jack cheese for a spicier flavor.
3. Adjust the Meat-to-Sauce Ratio: If you prefer a saucier sloppy joe mix, feel free to add more sauce. Just make sure the bread doesn’t get soggy.
4. Use Keto-Friendly Bread: If you’re looking to make a low-carb version, opt for keto-friendly garlic bread or even lettuce wraps in place of regular Texas Toast.
5. Add Veggies: For extra flavor and nutrition, consider adding sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the meat mixture.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Sloppy Joe and Provolone: Add a dash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños to the sloppy joe mixture for a spicy twist.
• BBQ Sloppy Joe and Cheddar: Swap out the provolone for sharp cheddar cheese and add a little more barbecue sauce to the mix for a tangy, smoky flavor.
• Vegetarian Sloppy Joe: Replace the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version of this dish.
• Sloppy Joe Pizza: Use a pizza crust instead of the Texas Toast, and top with the sloppy joe mixture and provolone or mozzarella for a fun pizza night twist.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Fresh Salad: Pair this meal with a light, fresh salad to balance the rich, cheesy flavors of the sandwich.
• With Pickles or Chips: Add a side of crispy chips or pickle spears to cut through the richness and add crunch.
• As a Family Meal: These sandwiches are perfect for a quick and satisfying family meal, served with a side of roasted vegetables or baked fries.
• Pair with Iced Tea or Lemonade: Serve these sandwiches with a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade to complement the savory, smoky flavors.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: If you have leftover sloppy joe mixture, you can freeze it for later. Simply store the cooled mixture in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, defrost and heat the mixture before serving.
• Storing Leftovers: Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. If you prefer to keep the bread crispy, reheat in the oven.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
   Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat substitute to create a vegetarian version of this dish.
3. Can I add more vegetables to the meat mixture?
   Yes, feel free to add sautéed onions, peppers, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
4. What if I can’t find Texas Toast?
   You can use regular garlic bread or any thick slice of bread. If you’re looking for a low-carb version, use keto-friendly bread.
5. How can I make this dish spicier?
   Add chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture to give it a spicy kick.
6. Can I make the sloppy joe mixture in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
7. What if I don’t have provolone cheese?
   You can substitute provolone with mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
8. Can I use low-fat cheese?
   Yes, you can use low-fat or reduced-fat cheese if you want to cut down on calories and fat.
9. Can I make this dish on the stove instead of the oven?
   Yes, you can make the sandwiches entirely on the stovetop by sautéing the bread in a pan and melting the cheese on top of the meat mixture.
10. How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
    Make sure to drain the sloppy joe mixture well before spooning it onto the toast, and be sure to toast the bread just enough so it’s crispy before adding the meat mixture.

Conclusion

Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone is a quick, satisfying, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, hosting a casual gathering, or just craving something hearty, this dish will hit the spot. The smoky meat mixture combined with cheesy garlic toast is a winning combination that everyone will love. With easy preparation, endless variations, and options for customizing to fit different dietary needs, this dish is bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Print