Texas Toast Sloppy Joes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Texas Toast Sloppy Joes: Prepare to ditch the boring bun and elevate your sloppy joe game to legendary status! Imagine this: thick, buttery slices of Texas toast, perfectly toasted to golden-brown perfection, acting as the sturdy and flavorful foundation for a mountain of savory, tangy, and oh-so-delicious sloppy joe filling. Are you drooling yet?

Sloppy Joes themselves have a humble, all-American history, believed to have originated in Sioux City, Iowa, in the early 20th century. Legend has it that a cook named Joe added tomato sauce to loose meat sandwiches, creating the messy masterpiece we know and love. But why settle for ordinary when you can have extraordinary?

People adore Sloppy Joes for their comforting, nostalgic flavor and incredible convenience. They’re quick to make, satisfyingly messy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. But by swapping out the traditional hamburger bun for crispy, garlic-infused Texas toast, we’re adding a whole new dimension of flavor and texture. The buttery richness of the toast perfectly complements the savory-sweetness of the sloppy joe filling, creating a symphony of flavors that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!). This Texas Toast Sloppy Joes recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Get ready to redefine your weeknight dinner routine!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 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 ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 cup beef broth (or water)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• For the Texas Toast:
• 8 slices Texas toast (frozen or fresh, about 3/4 inch thick)
• 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 is browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. Make sure you really break up the beef into small crumbles for the best texture. Nobody wants big chunks of ground beef in their Sloppy Joe!
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be translucent and slightly tender. Don’t rush this step; properly softened vegetables add a lot of flavor.
3. Add the Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. Cook for about 1 minute more, until fragrant. This helps to bloom the spices and release their full flavor. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, black pepper, salt, and beef broth (or water). Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet or Dutch oven, and let the Sloppy Joe mixture simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together and the sauce will thicken. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a little more beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency. I usually aim for a thick, but still slightly saucy, consistency.
6. Taste and Adjust: After simmering, taste the Sloppy Joe mixture and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, brown sugar, or Worcestershire sauce to suit your taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Preparing the Texas Toast:

1. Preheat the Oven (Optional): While the Sloppy Joe mixture is simmering, you can prepare the Texas toast. If you prefer a crispier toast, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). However, you can also prepare the toast in a skillet or toaster oven for a quicker method.
2. Melt the Butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop.
3. Add Garlic Powder and Parsley: Stir the garlic powder and dried parsley into the melted butter. This creates a flavorful garlic butter that will enhance the taste of the Texas toast.
4. Brush the Toast: Brush both sides of each slice of Texas toast with the garlic butter mixture. Make sure to coat the toast evenly for maximum flavor.
5. Toast the Bread (Oven Method): If using the oven, place the buttered Texas toast slices on a baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
6. Toast the Bread (Skillet Method): If using a skillet, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place the buttered Texas toast slices in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Toast the Bread (Toaster Oven Method): If using a toaster oven, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for toasting bread. You may need to adjust the toasting time depending on your toaster oven.

Assembling the Texas Toast Sloppy Joes:

1. Prepare Your Work Station: Have your toasted Texas toast slices ready, along with the warm Sloppy Joe filling and any desired toppings.
2. Spoon the Filling: Spoon a generous amount of the Sloppy Joe filling onto one slice of Texas toast. Don’t be shy! These are Sloppy Joes, after all.
3. Add Toppings (Optional): If desired, add your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheddar cheese, pickled jalapeños, diced red onion, or coleslaw.
4. Top with Another Slice: Top the Sloppy Joe filling with another slice of Texas toast.
5. Serve Immediately: Serve the Texas Toast Sloppy Joes immediately while they are warm and the toast is still crispy. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Texas Toast Sloppy Joes:

• Use Quality Ground Beef: The quality of the ground beef will significantly impact the flavor of the Sloppy Joes. I recommend using an 80/20 blend for the best balance of flavor and leanness.
• Don’t Overcook the Ground Beef: Be careful not to overcook the ground beef, as it can become dry and tough. Cook it just until it is browned and no longer pink.
• Simmer the Sauce for a Long Time: Simmering the Sloppy Joe sauce for a longer period of time allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. This is a crucial step for achieving the best flavor.
• Toast the Texas Toast Properly: The Texas toast should be golden brown and crispy, but not burnt. Keep a close eye on it while it is toasting.
• Get Creative with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings to customize your Texas Toast Sloppy Joes. Some other great topping options include:
  • Bacon bits
  • Fried onions
  • Pickles
  • Avocado
  • Hot sauce
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the Sloppy Joe filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it before assembling the sandwiches.
• Freezing Instructions: The Sloppy Joe filling can also be frozen for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Serving Suggestions: Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are a complete meal on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of side dishes, such as:
  • French fries
  • Potato salad
  • Coleslaw
  • Corn on the cob
  • Macaroni and cheese

Variations:

• Spicy Sloppy Joes: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the Sloppy Joe mixture for a spicy kick.
• Turkey Sloppy Joes: Substitute ground turkey for the ground beef for a leaner option.
• Vegetarian Sloppy Joes: Use a plant-based ground meat substitute or lentils for a vegetarian version.
• Hawaiian Sloppy Joes: Add pineapple chunks and a splash of teriyaki sauce to the Sloppy Joe mixture for a tropical twist.
• BBQ Sloppy Joes: Use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup for a smoky and tangy flavor.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are truly a game-changer, transforming a classic comfort food into something truly special. I know, I know, you might be thinking, “Sloppy Joes? Been there, done that.” But trust me on this one – the crispy, buttery Texas toast takes these to a whole new level of deliciousness. The contrast between the soft, savory meat mixture and the crunchy, golden toast is simply divine.

But why is this recipe a must-try? It’s more than just a tasty meal; it’s about creating a fun, satisfying experience. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your own preferences. Plus, who can resist the allure of perfectly toasted bread piled high with flavorful, saucy meat?

Speaking of customization, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations. For a classic experience, serve these Texas Toast Sloppy Joes with a side of coleslaw or potato salad. The cool, creamy textures complement the richness of the Joes perfectly. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese or a dollop of sour cream on top. For a spicier kick, incorporate some diced jalapeños into the meat mixture or add a dash of hot sauce.

Looking for even more ways to personalize your Texas Toast Sloppy Joes? Consider using different types of ground meat, such as ground turkey or chicken, for a lighter option. You could also experiment with different sauces, like a smoky barbecue sauce or a tangy tomato sauce. If you’re a vegetarian, you can easily adapt this recipe by using a plant-based ground meat substitute. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

For a truly decadent experience, try using garlic bread instead of plain Texas toast. The extra garlic flavor will add another layer of complexity to the dish. You could also try grilling the Texas toast for a smoky char that enhances the overall flavor.

And don’t forget about the toppings! In addition to cheese and sour cream, you could add sliced pickles, diced onions, or even some crispy bacon. The possibilities are endless!

I’m confident that once you try this recipe, it will become a regular in your meal rotation. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. It’s also a great way to use up leftover Texas toast, if you happen to have any.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience. Did you try any of the variations I suggested? Did you add your own special touch? Share your photos and comments with me – I can’t wait to see what you create! Let me know what you think about these Texas Toast Sloppy Joes! Happy cooking!