Texas Toast Sloppy Joes

Texas Toast Sloppy Joes take the beloved comfort food we grew up with and elevate it to new heights of deliciousness. The combination of savory, slightly sweet sloppy joe filling piled high on buttery, crisp Texas toast and topped with melted cheese creates a flavor explosion that makes this dinner a guaranteed family favorite. Best of all, this quick and easy meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

I discovered this recipe last year when I was stuck in a dinner rut, making the same meals on rotation. My youngest had been asking for sloppy joes, but I wanted something a little different. With some Texas toast in the freezer and ground beef in the fridge, this creation was born. My husband, who typically reaches for seconds of anything only when it's exceptional, immediately went back for another. The combination of the buttery, crisp toast with the savory-sweet filling and melted cheese has made this our new family favorite way to enjoy sloppy joes.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Texas toast: The thick, buttery base that elevates these sloppy joes. Look for the frozen garlic Texas toast for extra flavor.
• Ground beef: Creates a hearty, protein-rich filling. Choose 80/20 for the best flavor, or leaner if you prefer.
• Red onion: Adds a sharp, slightly sweet flavor that balances the richness of the beef. Dice it finely for the best texture.
• Green bell pepper: Provides a fresh crunch and slight sweetness that complements the tangy sauce. Red or yellow peppers work beautifully too.
• Cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded melts more smoothly than pre-packaged. Sharp cheddar adds the best flavor contrast.
• Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
• Tomato sauce: Forms the base of our sloppy joe sauce, bringing classic tomato flavor that's not too acidic.
• Worcestershire sauce: This umami-rich ingredient is the secret to depth of flavor. Just a little adds remarkable complexity.
• Brown sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes with just the right touch of sweetness.
• Oil: For sautéing the vegetables. Olive oil or vegetable oil both work well.
• Seasonings: Simple salt, pepper, and garlic powder enhance all the flavors without overwhelming them.

Pin it

How To Make Texas Toast Sloppy Joes

Step 1:

Begin by preheating your oven according to the Texas toast package directions – typically around 425°F. While the oven heats, prepare a large skillet by adding a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. This initial step sets the foundation for building layers of flavor in your sloppy joe filling.

Step 2:

Add your finely chopped red onion and green bell pepper to the hot oil. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper, which helps draw out moisture and enhances their natural sweetness. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and the onions become translucent. This aromatic base will infuse the entire dish with flavor.

Step 3:

Add the ground beef to the skillet with the softened vegetables. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat into small, even pieces as it browns. This ensures uniform cooking and the perfect texture in every bite. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes, then drain any excess fat if needed. Removing excess fat prevents your filling from becoming greasy.

Step 4:

Once the beef is browned, it's time to build your sauce. Add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and stir it into the meat mixture, allowing it to cook for about 30 seconds. This brief cooking "blooms" the tomato paste, developing deeper flavor before adding the remaining sauce ingredients.

Step 5:

Pour in 8 ounces of tomato sauce, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. These ingredients create the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and sweet flavors that make sloppy joes so irresistible. Season with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, adjusting to your taste preferences.

Step 6:

Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring the meat is evenly coated with sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken to the perfect consistency – not too runny, but still moist and saucy.

Step 7:

While your sloppy joe filling simmers, arrange the Texas toast slices on a baking sheet and bake according to package directions until they're lightly golden around the edges but not fully crisp. This partial baking ensures the toast can still hold up to the filling without becoming too brittle.

Step 8:

Remove the partially baked Texas toast from the oven and use the back of a spoon to create a slight depression in the center of each piece. This clever technique creates a "nest" that will hold your sloppy joe filling and prevent it from sliding off the sides.

Step 9:

Divide the sloppy joe filling evenly among the Texas toast pieces, spooning it into the center depressions you've created. The amount will depend on how many pieces of toast you're preparing, but aim for a generous portion without overloading the bread.

Step 10:

Top each filled piece with a handful of freshly shredded cheddar cheese, distributing it evenly to ensure good coverage. Return the topped Texas toast to the oven for about 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese melts completely and begins to bubble. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

The result is a perfect hand-held dinner that combines the nostalgic flavor of classic sloppy joes with the buttery crunch of Texas toast. The contrast between the crisp, butter-infused bread and the savory-sweet filling creates a taste sensation that's simply irresistible. The melted cheese adds a creamy element that brings everything together beautifully.

What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms a humble childhood favorite into something that feels special enough for any night of the week. The Texas toast base solves the age-old problem of soggy sloppy joe buns, providing a sturdy foundation that stands up to the saucy filling without falling apart.

These Texas toast sloppy joes have become my go-to solution on nights when I need to put dinner on the table quickly but still want something that feels homemade and satisfying. The ingredients are pantry staples in most homes, making this an excellent back-pocket recipe for those evenings when you haven't planned ahead.

I've found that allowing the sloppy joe mixture to simmer for the full 10 minutes makes a huge difference in flavor development. One evening when I was particularly pressed for time, I skipped this step and served it after just a few minutes of cooking. While still good, it lacked the depth of flavor that makes this dish special. Those few extra minutes allow the tomato sauce to concentrate slightly and the brown sugar to fully incorporate into the sauce.

My daughter prefers her Texas toast sloppy joes with a sprinkle of dill pickle relish on top, which adds a bright, tangy contrast to the rich filling. My son likes his with a few slices of fresh jalapeño for added heat. These simple additions allow everyone to customize their meal while still enjoying the same basic recipe – a win for busy parents everywhere!

I love serving these with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or some crispy sweet potato fries for a complete meal. On particularly busy nights, even just some carrot and celery sticks on the side creates a balanced dinner that comes together in minutes.

Pin it

My final thought on these Texas toast sloppy joes is that they perfectly embody what home cooking should be – simple, satisfying, and made with love. There's something wonderfully nostalgic about serving a childhood favorite with a creative twist that makes it feel new again. This recipe has saved countless weeknight dinners in our home, bringing smiles to my family's faces even on the busiest days. The combination of buttery toast, savory-sweet filling, and melted cheese creates a comfort food experience that nourishes both body and soul – and isn't that what good home cooking is all about?

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time?

Yes! The beef mixture can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before assembling on the Texas toast.

→ What sides go well with Texas Toast Sloppy Joes?

Try serving with potato chips, a simple green salad, coleslaw, or french fries for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

→ Can I freeze leftover sloppy joe filling?

Absolutely! The meat mixture freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving on fresh Texas toast.

→ What if I can't find Texas toast at the store?

You can use thick-sliced bread brushed with garlic butter and toasted in the oven as a substitute. Ciabatta or sourdough also work well.

→ How can I make this recipe healthier?

Try using lean ground beef or ground turkey, reduce the sugar slightly, and add extra vegetables like grated carrots or finely chopped mushrooms to the mixture.