Texas Toast Sloppy Joes: The Ultimate BBQ Comfort Food Mashup
Welcome to the world of Texas Toast Sloppy Joes, where classic comfort meets an irresistible BBQ twist. This recipe delivers a deliciously easy meal, featuring a rich, savory sloppy joe filling piled high on crispy, garlicky Texas toast and crowned with a layer of perfectly melted cheese. It’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners and a guaranteed family favorite!
A Beloved Classic Reimagined: The Open-Faced Sloppy Joe Experience
There’s something uniquely comforting about a classic Sloppy Joe. For many, it’s a dish steeped in childhood memories, conjuring images of lively family dinners and backyard cookouts. The original Sloppy Joe sandwich, with its loose meat and tangy sauce, has been a staple in American households for generations. Its humble yet satisfying nature makes it a perennial favorite, adaptable to countless variations.
In this recipe, we take that beloved classic and elevate it to new heights. We’re not just making a sloppy joe; we’re crafting an experience. The genius of this dish lies in its open-faced presentation, allowing the robust, BBQ-infused meat mixture to truly shine. Gone are the days of soggy buns; instead, we embrace the sturdy, flavorful foundation of garlic Texas toast. This simple switch transforms a good meal into a great one, adding an incredible depth of flavor and a satisfying crunch that traditional hamburger buns simply can’t offer.
This isn’t just another quick meal; it’s a delightful culinary adventure that brings together familiar flavors in an exciting new way. The hint of garlic from the Texas toast beautifully complements the smoky-sweet BBQ sloppy joe filling, creating a symphony of tastes that will have your family asking for seconds. If you’re a devoted fan of Texas Toast and love discovering innovative ways to use it, be sure to explore other fantastic recipes like Texas Toast Pizzas, Chicken Parmesan Texas Toast, Buffalo Chicken Garlic Texas Toast, and Texas Toast French Dips. Each of these highlights the versatility and deliciousness of garlic Texas toast as a base.
What Our Readers Are Saying
“This recipe is amazing! Different, easy, and delicious! My husband said it’s a keeper and that he likes it better than regular sloppy joes. You are one of my favorite food bloggers! Thank you for all of your delicious recipes!”
– Regina
Why This Texas Toast Sloppy Joe Recipe is a Must-Try
In a world full of complex recipes, sometimes all you need is a simple, straightforward dish that promises maximum flavor with minimal effort. Our Texas Toast Sloppy Joes embody this philosophy perfectly. This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s engineered for success, making it the ideal choice for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or whenever a craving for something hearty and satisfying strikes.
The beauty of this dish lies in its clever combination of textures and flavors. You get the crisp exterior and soft interior of the garlic Texas toast, providing an excellent counterpoint to the rich, saucy meat. The BBQ twist adds a layer of smoky sweetness and tang that elevates the classic sloppy joe profile, setting it apart from more traditional versions. It’s a harmonious blend that appeals to both adults and children, making it a universal crowd-pleaser.
The Allure of Garlic Texas Toast
Why choose Texas Toast? It’s more than just bread; it’s a strategic ingredient that enhances the entire sloppy joe experience. Traditional sloppy joes often suffer from a common predicament: the bun gets soggy under the weight of the flavorful meat mixture. Texas Toast, especially the garlic variety, solves this problem brilliantly. Its thicker slices and lightly toasted, buttery-garlic exterior provide a robust foundation that holds up beautifully to the saucy filling.
Beyond its structural integrity, garlic Texas toast brings its own distinct flavor profile. The aromatic garlic and rich butter infuse every bite, adding a savory depth that complements the BBQ sloppy joe mixture perfectly. This isn’t just a vehicle for the meat; it’s an integral part of the dish, contributing significantly to its overall deliciousness and unique character. It transforms a simple sandwich into an open-faced gourmet delight, offering a delightful crunch with every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
Absolutely! To amplify the BBQ notes, simply reduce the amount of ketchup by half and substitute it with an equal amount of your favorite barbecue sauce. This adjustment will lean the flavor profile heavily towards smoky and sweet BBQ goodness.
For added texture and flavor, consider sautéing some finely diced onions and green peppers with the ground beef. If you’re a fan of heat, a few chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a pleasant spicy kick to the sloppy joe mixture.
Yes, this recipe is incredibly versatile! You can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute. Adjust cooking times slightly as needed for different meats to ensure they are fully cooked and browned.
You certainly can! For a super quick meal, brown and drain your ground beef, then simply stir in a can of Manwich sauce. Serve this mixture over the baked Texas Toast. In this scenario, you won’t need to add the other sauce ingredients listed in our recipe, although you can still top it with shredded cheddar cheese for that extra melty goodness.
To prevent the Texas toast from becoming soggy, it’s best to store the meat mixture and any leftover toast separately. Keep the sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The meat mixture also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months; simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
For the best results, reheat the meat mixture on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it appears too thick. The Texas toast should be reheated in the oven or a toaster oven to restore its crispness, rather than in the microwave, which tends to make it soft.
Essential Ingredients for Your Ultimate Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
Gathering your ingredients is the first exciting step towards creating these delectable Texas Toast Sloppy Joes. Each component plays a crucial role in building the robust and satisfying flavor profile that makes this dish so special.
- Ground Beef: The foundation of our sloppy joe mixture. Opt for a lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) to ensure a flavorful base without excessive grease. For a lighter alternative, ground turkey or ground chicken work wonderfully, or you can use your favorite plant-based meat substitute.
- Diced Tomatoes: While optional, a can of diced tomatoes adds a lovely tang and additional moisture to the sauce, enhancing its richness and texture. If you’re not a fan of tomatoes, feel free to omit them without compromising the core flavor.
- Ketchup: A classic sloppy joe staple, ketchup provides a sweet and tangy base that is universally loved. Its thick consistency helps bind the sauce together.
- Barbecue Sauce: This is where our Sloppy Joes get their signature BBQ twist! Choose a bottled barbecue sauce that you love – whether it’s sweet, smoky, or spicy, it will significantly influence the final flavor. If BBQ isn’t your preference, consider using a can of Manwich for a more traditional sloppy joe flavor, or explore our Homemade Sloppy Joe recipe for an alternative.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon in many savory dishes, Worcestershire sauce adds a deep, umami richness that rounds out the flavors of the meat mixture. A little goes a long way in enhancing complexity.
- Sugar (optional): A small amount of sugar can help balance the acidity from the tomatoes and ketchup, especially if your chosen barbecue sauce isn’t particularly sweet. Taste your sauce before adding sugar, as it might not be necessary depending on your BBQ sauce’s sweetness level.
- Garlic Texas Toast: The star base of our open-faced sandwiches! Frozen garlic Texas toast is readily available at most grocery stores and bakes up perfectly crispy and flavorful. Store brand or national brand, both work great.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese over the hot sloppy joe mixture adds a creamy, melty finish that takes these sandwiches to the next level. Feel free to use a sharp cheddar for more tang or a mild one for a subtler flavor. Other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Colby-Jack blend would also be delicious.
How to Master Texas Toast Sloppy Joes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these delicious Texas Toast Sloppy Joes is a straightforward process, designed for efficiency and maximum flavor. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a hearty and satisfying meal on the table in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Meat
Begin by browning and crumbling one pound of ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. As the meat cooks, use a spoon or spatula to break it into small, even pieces. Once the beef is thoroughly browned and cooked through, drain any excess grease from the skillet. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and preventing an overly greasy sloppy joe mixture.
Step 2: Simmer the Flavorful Sauce
Return the drained ground beef to the skillet. Now, it’s time to build the rich, BBQ-infused sauce. Add a 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes (undrained for extra moisture), 1 cup of ketchup, ½ cup of your preferred bottled barbecue sauce, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. At this point, you can also add 2 tablespoons of sugar if desired. The sugar is optional but can help to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes and ketchup, especially if your barbecue sauce is on the less sweet side. Give all the ingredients a good stir until they are thoroughly combined and the meat is evenly coated. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 10 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Texas Toast
While your sloppy joe mixture is simmering to perfection, prepare the garlic Texas toast according to the package directions. Most frozen Texas toast varieties are baked in the oven until golden brown and crispy. Pay attention to the recommended cooking time and temperature to ensure your toast is perfectly crisp and warm, ready to absorb the delicious sloppy joe filling.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Once both the sloppy joe mixture and the Texas toast are ready, it’s time to assemble your mouthwatering sandwiches. Spoon a generous amount of the hot, flavorful sloppy joe filling onto each slice of warm garlic Texas toast. Immediately sprinkle a liberal amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the meat mixture. The residual heat from the sloppy joe will gently melt the cheese, creating a gooey, irresistible topping. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of crispy toast, savory meat, and melted cheese!
Serving Suggestions and Customization Ideas
These Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are a meal in themselves, but they pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. For a classic American comfort meal, serve them alongside a crisp green salad, crunchy coleslaw, or a side of crispy french fries or onion rings. Sweet potato fries also offer a delightful contrast in flavor. If you’re looking for something lighter, fresh fruit or steamed vegetables can round out the meal beautifully.
Don’t hesitate to get creative with customization! While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a bit of spice, or even provolone. For extra toppings, consider adding sliced pickles, raw or sautéed onions, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro before serving. These simple additions can transform the dish and cater to individual preferences, making it a truly personalized meal experience.
Explore More Delicious Recipes
If you’re craving more easy, flavorful meals or looking for unique ways to enjoy sloppy joes and Texas toast, you’re in the right place! Here are some additional recipes that might catch your eye:
- Crock Pot Sloppy Joes
- Texas Toast Pizzas
- Texas Toast Meatball Subs
- Texas Toast Sloppy Joes (You’re already here, but it’s a great one!)
- Texas Toast French Dips
- Buffalo Chicken Texas Toast
- Chicken Parmesan Texas Toast
- Cheeseburger Texas Toast
- Italian Sloppy Joes
- Big Mac Sloppy Joes
- Dr Pepper Sloppy Joes
- Crock Pot Taco Joes
- Sloppy Joe Cups
- Sloppy Joe Bubble Up
- BBQ Biscuit Cups
- Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole
- Creamed Chipped Beef
- The Best Cheese Toast
- Maid Rites (Loose Meat Sandwiches)
- 100 Ground Beef Recipes
Originally published: March 2013
Updated photos & Republished: July 2024
Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
These Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are the most deliciously easy BBQ flavor sloppy joes on top of garlic Texas toast, topped with melted cheese!
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Author: Brandie Skibinski
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Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup bottled barbecue sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- 1 box (8 slices) frozen garlic Texas toast
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or more to taste)
Instructions
Brown and crumble 1 pound ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess grease.
Return meat to skillet and add in 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, 1 cup ketchup, 1/2 cup bottled barbecue sauce, 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and 2 Tablespoons sugar.
Give it all a good stir until combined then cover and cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes. While this is cooking, prepare the 1 box (8 slices) frozen garlic Texas toast according to package directions.
When garlic Texas Toast is ready, spoon filling on top of bread and then sprinkle with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and serve. Note: if you prefer, you can stick these into the oven to brown the cheese on top.
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Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Calories: 570kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 31g | Sodium: 1180mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 25g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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