Texas Toast Sloppy Joes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Texas Toast Sloppy Joes: Prepare to ditch the boring buns and elevate your weeknight dinner game! Imagine this: juicy, savory sloppy joe filling piled high between two slices of buttery, garlic-infused Texas toast. It’s a flavor explosion that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds.

While the exact origins of the sloppy joe are debated, its roots are firmly planted in American comfort food. Some say it evolved from loose meat sandwiches served in Iowa diners, while others credit a cook named Joe in Sioux City, Iowa, for adding tomato sauce to the mixture. Regardless of its precise beginning, the sloppy joe quickly became a beloved staple, offering a quick, affordable, and satisfying meal for families across the country.

But why settle for ordinary when you can have extraordinary? That’s where the Texas toast comes in! This simple addition transforms the classic sloppy joe into something truly special. People adore this dish because it’s the perfect marriage of textures and tastes. The soft, slightly sweet bread complements the tangy, meaty filling, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. Plus, let’s be honest, who can resist the allure of garlic butter? These Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are incredibly easy to make, making them ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Get ready to experience a new level of sloppy joe deliciousness!

Ingredients:

• For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 cup beef broth (or water, if needed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• For the Texas Toast:
• 8 slices Texas toast (frozen or fresh, your preference)
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• Optional Toppings:
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Pickled jalapeños
• Diced red onion
• Coleslaw

Preparing the Sloppy Joe Filling:

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. This is a crucial step for flavor, so don’t rush it! You want a nice, even browning.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. The aroma at this point should be amazing! Make sure the onions are translucent and the peppers are tender.
3. Add the Sauces and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything together well, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Simmer the Sloppy Joe Mixture: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a little beef broth (or water) to thin it out to your desired consistency. I usually add about 1/4 cup.
5. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: After simmering, taste the Sloppy Joe mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, brown sugar, or chili powder to suit your taste. This is your chance to make it perfect! Don’t be afraid to experiment.

Preparing the Texas Toast:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is preheating, you can prepare the Texas toast.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter. You can do this in the microwave in 30-second intervals or in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, stir in the garlic powder and dried parsley.
3. Brush the Texas Toast: Place the Texas toast slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each slice generously with the garlic butter mixture. Make sure to get the edges!
4. Bake the Texas Toast: Bake the Texas toast in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly.

Assembling the Texas Toast Sloppy Joes:

1. Prepare Your Work Station: Have your cooked Sloppy Joe filling, baked Texas toast, and any desired toppings ready to go.
2. Spoon the Sloppy Joe Filling: Spoon a generous amount of the Sloppy Joe filling onto each slice of Texas toast. Don’t be shy!
3. Add Toppings (Optional): If desired, top the Sloppy Joes with shredded cheddar cheese, pickled jalapeños, diced red onion, or coleslaw. I personally love a little bit of shredded cheddar and some pickled jalapeños for a kick!
4. Serve Immediately: Serve the Texas Toast Sloppy Joes immediately while the toast is still warm and crispy and the filling is hot. Enjoy! They’re best enjoyed fresh.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it Up: For a spicier Sloppy Joe, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
• Sweeten it Up: If you prefer a sweeter Sloppy Joe, add an extra tablespoon or two of brown sugar.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the Sloppy Joe filling, such as chopped mushrooms, carrots, or celery.
• Use Different Meat: You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Make it in a Slow Cooker: You can also make the Sloppy Joe filling in a slow cooker. Simply brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
• Make it Ahead: The Sloppy Joe filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it before serving.
• Freezing: The Sloppy Joe filling freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Texas Toast Alternatives: If you don’t have Texas toast, you can use regular bread, hamburger buns, or even slider buns. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Cheese Options: Cheddar cheese is a classic topping for Sloppy Joes, but you can also use other cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or provolone.
• Coleslaw Tip: A vinegar-based coleslaw cuts through the richness of the Sloppy Joe filling nicely.

Serving Suggestions:

Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are a complete meal on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

• Potato chips
• French fries
• Onion rings
• Coleslaw
• Macaroni salad
• Potato salad
• Corn on the cob
• Green salad
• Baked beans

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

• Calories: 600-700
• Protein: 35-45g
• Fat: 30-40g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g

Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make Texas Toast Sloppy Joes! I hope you and your family love them as much as mine does.

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! These Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are a must-try because they elevate a classic comfort food to a whole new level. The buttery, garlicky Texas toast provides the perfect sturdy and flavorful base for the savory, slightly sweet, and utterly irresistible sloppy joe filling. Forget soggy buns – this is a textural masterpiece! But the real magic lies in the simplicity and adaptability of this recipe. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. The combination of the crispy toast and the saucy filling is simply divine, and I guarantee even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds. Think of the possibilities! For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture. If you’re a fan of cheese (and who isn’t?), sprinkle some shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack over the filling before serving. Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Finely diced bell peppers, onions, or even zucchini blend seamlessly into the sauce. Serving suggestions are endless. These Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are fantastic on their own, but they also pair perfectly with a side of crispy coleslaw, potato salad, or even just some simple potato chips. For a complete meal, add a side of steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad. If you’re feeling adventurous, try topping them with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. And don’t be afraid to get creative with the Texas toast itself! You can use store-bought frozen Texas toast for convenience, or you can make your own from scratch for an extra special touch. Experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough or brioche, to find your perfect combination. You can even grill the Texas toast for a smoky flavor. I truly believe that this recipe will become a family favorite. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and endlessly customizable. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible, and the presentation is sure to impress. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and get ready to experience the best sloppy joes you’ve ever had! I’m confident that you’ll love these Texas Toast Sloppy Joes as much as I do. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and comments in the section below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! I’m sure that you will find this Texas Toast Sloppy Joes recipe to be a winner!

Print