Texas Toast Sloppy Joes

Here’s a detailed Texas Toast Sloppy Joes recipe with clear, step-by-step directions and no emojis.

Servings

4–6 sandwiches

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Ingredients

Sloppy Joe Filling

1½ pounds ground beef (80/20 works best)
1 small onion, finely diced
1 small green bell pepper, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
¼ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
¼–½ cup water, as needed

Bread & Cheese

8 slices Texas toast (thick-cut)
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack, or mozzarella)
Butter for toasting (if bread is not pre-buttered)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce

Reduce heat to medium. Add ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir until well combined.

Add water a little at a time until the mixture reaches your preferred thickness. Simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and saucy.

Step 4: Toast the Texas Toast

While the meat simmers, prepare the Texas toast according to package directions, or butter both sides and toast in a skillet or oven until golden and crisp.

Step 5: Assemble the Sloppy Joes

Preheat the oven broiler on low.

Place the toasted Texas toast slices on a baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of sloppy joe mixture onto half of the slices. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the meat.

Top with the remaining toast slices to form sandwiches, or leave them open-faced if preferred.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese

Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, just until the cheese melts. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Step 7: Serve

Remove from the oven and serve hot. These are hearty and messy, so napkins are recommended.

Tips and Variations

Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if desired.
Use garlic Texas toast for extra flavor.
Serve with fries, coleslaw, or potato chips for a complete meal.