If you’re craving something hearty, messy, and utterly satisfying, you’re in the right place! Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are the perfect combination of tender, flavorful beef filling piled high on thick, buttery toast that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This twist on the classic sloppy joe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and trust me, it’s about to become your new go-to for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make but feels like a restaurant-quality dish. Get ready for a big flavor punch and a whole lot of comfort in every bite!
Why You’ll Love Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
This recipe is all about bringing big flavor in a simple, no-fuss way. Here’s why you’ll be hooked:
Hearty & Comforting
The sloppy joe filling is rich and flavorful, and when it’s served on warm, buttery Texas Toast, it’s a match made in heaven. This dish has all the right elements: savory, cheesy, a bit messy, and just the right amount of indulgence.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a casual get-together, or just craving something hearty after a long day, Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are perfect. They’re easy to make, crowd-friendly, and fun to eat.
Budget-Friendly
You don’t need to break the bank to create a delicious meal. The ingredients are simple and affordable, making this recipe ideal when you want to whip up something tasty without a big grocery haul.
Family-Approved
Sloppy Joes are a classic for a reason—kids and adults alike love them! The addition of Texas Toast gives this dish a fun, new twist that’s sure to please everyone around the table.
Customizable
Feel free to adjust the flavors to suit your preferences. Want a little extra kick? Add some hot sauce or jalapeños. Prefer it a bit milder? Keep it simple with just the basic seasonings.
Ingredients
Let’s break down the simple ingredients that will help you create this crowd-pleasing dish:
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- Ground Beef: The main protein in this dish. Ground beef makes for a juicy, flavorful filling, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
- Onion: Adds a savory base to the sloppy joe mixture.
- Garlic: For an aromatic, flavorful kick.
- Tomato Sauce: The foundation of the sloppy joe sauce.
- Ketchup: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Worcestershire Sauce: For a rich, savory flavor that elevates the sauce.
- Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Mustard: Adds a bit of tang to complement the sweetness.
- Chili Powder: For a mild heat and a hint of smokiness.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste, ensuring all the flavors come together perfectly.
For the Texas Toast:
- Texas Toast (store-bought or homemade): Thick, buttery, and soft on the inside with a crispy, golden crust on the outside. The perfect base for your sloppy joe filling.
- Butter: To spread on the bread and give it that perfect golden brown finish.
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above!)
Instructions
Here’s how to make Texas Toast Sloppy Joes that’ll have everyone asking for seconds:
Step 1: Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling
In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic, and cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 2: Prepare the Texas Toast
While the sloppy joe filling is simmering, heat a separate skillet or griddle over medium heat. Butter both sides of the Texas Toast slices and cook them until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Alternatively, you can toast the bread in the oven or use a toaster oven. Make sure each slice is perfectly crisp and buttery.
Step 3: Assemble the Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
Once the Texas Toast is ready, place a slice on each plate. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto the Texas Toast, making sure each slice gets a good portion of the meaty, flavorful filling. If you want to go the extra mile, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top and let it melt into the hot filling. For a little extra crunch, you can add some pickles or even jalapeños.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Texas Toast Sloppy Joes while they’re hot, and get ready to dig in! They’re perfect with a side of fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. Enjoy the bold flavors and the joy of sinking your teeth into that crispy toast!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 500
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 850mg
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 12g
Protein: 28g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
These Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are hearty and flavorful enough to be a meal on their own, but here are a few side dish ideas to complement them:
Crispy Fries
Fries are a classic side dish that goes perfectly with sloppy joes. Whether you go for regular fries, sweet potato fries, or even crinkle-cut, the crispy texture pairs wonderfully with the rich and savory filling.
Coleslaw
A creamy, tangy coleslaw is the perfect contrast to the meaty, flavorful sloppy joes. The crunch and freshness of the coleslaw balance out the richness of the dish.
Simple Salad
If you want something lighter, serve your Texas Toast Sloppy Joes with a side salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. The freshness of the greens adds a nice contrast to the hearty sandwich.
Pickles or Jalapeños
Add a little zing with pickles or jalapeños on the side. Their tartness or heat can help cut through the richness of the sloppy joe filling.
Additional Tips
Make it Spicy
Want to turn up the heat? Add some crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture for an extra kick.
Switch Up the Protein
Feel free to switch up the protein—ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives work great for a lighter version.
Skip the Toast
If you’re watching carbs or prefer a lighter option, serve the sloppy joe filling on a bed of lettuce instead of the Texas Toast for a low-carb twist.
Add Cheese
For a cheesy variation, melt some cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top of the sloppy joe filling before serving. It adds another layer of flavor and makes it even more indulgent.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you’re looking for a leaner option. It works just as well with the savory sauce.
Q2: Can I make the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can make the sloppy joe filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Q3: Can I use regular bread instead of Texas Toast?
A3: You can! However, Texas Toast adds a buttery, crispy element that regular bread won’t provide. If you’re substituting, consider toasting the bread with butter for the best result.
Q4: Can I freeze the sloppy joe mixture?
A4: Yes! The sloppy joe mixture freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw and reheat.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store the leftover sloppy joe filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the Texas Toast, it’s best to store it separately to keep it crispy.
Q6: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A6: Yes! Swap the ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version that still packs plenty of flavor.
Q7: How do I make the Texas Toast extra crispy?
A7: For extra crispiness, use a griddle or skillet to cook the Texas Toast with a generous amount of butter on both sides. The more butter, the crispier the toast!
Q8: Can I add veggies to the sloppy joe mixture?
A8: Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms would be great additions to the filling, adding flavor and texture to the dish.
Q9: How can I make this dish spicier?
A9: Add hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to the sloppy joe mixture for some heat. You can even sprinkle some pepper jack cheese on top for an extra spicy kick.
Q10: What’s the best way to serve Texas Toast Sloppy Joes at a party?
A10: Serve the sloppy joe mixture in a large bowl with the Texas Toast slices arranged on the side. Let guests assemble their own sandwiches for a fun and interactive party dish!
Conclusion
These Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are the ultimate comfort food, packed with flavor and served on perfectly crispy, buttery toast. They’re simple to make, versatile, and absolutely delicious—what more could you want? Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So grab your Texas Toast, pile on that sloppy joe filling, and get ready for a satisfying meal that’ll leave everyone wanting more!
PrintTexas Toast Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Texas Toast Sloppy Joes take a classic comfort food to the next level! With juicy, flavorful ground beef in a tangy sauce, served on thick, buttery Texas Toast, this dish is sure to be a family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend cookouts, these hearty sandwiches are easy to make and irresistibly delicious!
Ingredients
- For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Texas Toast:
- 4 slices Texas toast (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling:
In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. - Add the diced onion, bell pepper (if using), and garlic to the pan, and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, apple cider vinegar, paprika, and chili powder (if using).
- Simmer the mixture over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Texas Toast:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the Texas toast slices on a baking sheet and brush them with melted butter. Sprinkle garlic powder on top if desired.
Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy. - Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
Once the Texas toast is ready, spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the toasted bread slices. - Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) on top of the sloppy joe filling before serving.
- You can use whole-wheat Texas toast for a healthier option or even regular hamburger buns if preferred.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for a crowd or leftovers.
- For a veggie version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or another plant-based protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg