Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are the ultimate comfort food mashup—a delicious marriage of buttery, crispy Texas toast and the hearty, savory goodness of sloppy joes. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a fun meal for the kids, or a new way to enjoy an old classic, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
In this blog post, we’ll take you through every detail of making Texas Toast Sloppy Joes, from choosing the best ingredients to preparing and serving this tasty dish. We’ll also cover common variations, useful tips, and frequently asked questions so you can make this recipe your own.
What Are Texas Toast Sloppy Joes?
At its core, Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are a variation of the traditional sloppy joe, but instead of serving the sloppy joe mixture on a hamburger bun, you use thick, buttery garlic Texas toast. This twist adds a deliciously crispy texture that pairs perfectly with the saucy, meaty filling.
Texas toast is known for its thick slices and buttered, garlic-flavored crust. When paired with sloppy joe filling—made from seasoned ground beef, onions, and bell peppers—this combo takes the flavor and texture to another level. Top it off with some melted cheese, and you’ve got an irresistible meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients for Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
Here are the main ingredients you’ll need to make Texas Toast Sloppy Joes:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Toast | 8 slices | Garlic-flavored preferred |
| Ground Beef | 1 pound | Substitute with turkey or vegetarian crumbles for a healthier option |
| Sloppy Joe Sauce | 1 cup (homemade or canned) | See recipe below for homemade sauce |
| Onion | 1 medium, chopped | Adds sweetness and depth of flavor |
| Green Bell Pepper | 1 medium, chopped | Optional, adds crunch and flavor |
| Shredded Cheddar Cheese | 1 cup | See the recipe below for homemade sauce |
| Butter | 2 tbsp | For extra flavor when toasting |
| Garlic Powder | 1 tsp | Optional, enhances garlic flavor of the toast |
Optional: Homemade Sloppy Joe Sauce
If you want to go the extra mile, try making your own sloppy joe sauce. Here’s a simple recipe:
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
Making Texas Toast Sloppy Joes is simple and can be done in under 30 minutes. Follow these easy steps:
1: Prepare the Sloppy Joe Mixture
- Brown the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add onions and bell peppers: Add chopped onions and bell peppers to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add sauce: Stir in your homemade or canned sloppy joe sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2: Prepare the Texas Toast
- Butter and toast the bread: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Spread butter (and garlic powder if you like extra garlic) on both sides of the Texas toast slices. Bake them on a baking sheet for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Optional – Use pre-made garlic toast: For a shortcut, you can use pre-packaged garlic Texas toast, which will save time and add even more flavor.
3: Assemble the Sloppy Joes
- Top the toast with sloppy joe mixture: Once the Texas toast is golden, spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture onto each slice of toast.
- Add cheese and bake: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and return to the oven for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips for Making the Best Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
- Use thick-sliced Texas toast for a sturdier base. Thin toast might get soggy under the sloppy joe mixture.
- Make it cheesy: If you love cheese, add a layer of cheese between the sloppy joe mixture and the toast, then top with even more cheese before baking.
- Customize the flavors: You can experiment with different cheese varieties or add extra spices like chili powder or cayenne for a kick.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a hearty vegetarian version.
Frequently Asked Questions
The difference between a Sloppy Joe and a Sloppy Jane lies in the protein. While traditional sloppy joes use ground beef, a Sloppy Jane is typically made with ground turkey or chicken. This makes the Sloppy Jane a leaner alternative, often favored by those looking for a healthier version of the classic Sloppy Joe. The rest of the ingredients, such as the sauce, onions, and seasonings, usually remain the same.
In Iowa, sloppy joes are often referred to as “Maid-Rites” or “loose meat sandwiches.” The difference between a Maid-Rite and a traditional sloppy joe is that the Iowa version is typically less saucy, focusing on seasoned ground beef served on a bun, without the tomato-based sauce that makes sloppy joes “sloppy.”
In Wisconsin, sloppy joes are commonly known as “barbecues” or “hot tamales” in some regions. Despite the name, they’re not to be confused with barbecue pulled pork. It’s the same sloppy joe mixture of ground beef and sauce, but the regional name adds a unique twist to the classic dish.
A New York Sloppy Joe is quite different from the traditional sloppy joe. It’s a cold deli sandwich that originated in the 1930s, consisting of rye bread layered with cold cuts like roast beef, turkey, or ham, coleslaw, and Russian dressing. Unlike the classic hot, saucy ground beef version, the New York Sloppy Joe is a multi-layered, cold sandwich with a completely different flavor profile.
Healthier Options for Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
If you’re looking to lighten up your Texas Toast Sloppy Joes, consider these simple modifications:
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or lean chicken to reduce fat content.
- Use whole-grain Texas toast to add more fiber and nutrients.
- Opt for reduced-fat cheese or skip the cheese altogether for a dairy-free version.
Creative Variations of Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
- Cheesy Texas Toast Sloppy Joes: Double the cheese and use different varieties like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for an ultra-cheesy version.
- Spicy Texas Toast Sloppy Joes: Add chopped jalapeños to the sloppy joe mixture or use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
- Double Decker Sloppy Joes: For a more indulgent option, stack two slices of Texas toast with sloppy joe mixture in between, creating a double-decker sandwich.
How to Store and Reheat Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
To store leftovers, place the sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the Texas toast separately to prevent it from becoming soggy.
When reheating, re-crisp the Texas toast in the oven and warm the sloppy joe mixture in a skillet or microwave. Reassemble and enjoy!
Why Texas Toast Sloppy Joes Are the Ultimate Comfort Food
Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are the perfect blend of hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make comfort food. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for yourself, this dish delivers satisfaction with minimal effort. The combination of crispy toast, savory sloppy joe filling, and gooey melted cheese makes this recipe an instant hit.
So, next time you’re craving a quick, satisfying meal, give this recipe a try! Let us know your favorite variations in the comments below.
More Serving Ideas and Presentation Tips for Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
The presentation can take your Texas Toast Sloppy Joe from good to great. Here are a few ideas to elevate the experience:
- Open-faced vs. sandwich style: While many enjoy Texas Toast Sloppy Joes as an open-faced dish, you can also serve them sandwich-style by placing another slice of toast on top, creating a heartier, more filling meal.
- Garnish options: Add some freshness by garnishing with chopped parsley, green onions, or even a drizzle of sour cream or ranch dressing for added creaminess.
- Serve with a dip: Pair your sloppy joes with a side of dipping sauce. Ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, or even a spicy mayo can add a fun twist.
- Individual sliders: If you’re hosting a party or feeding a crowd, consider cutting the Texas toast into smaller squares and creating mini sloppy joe sliders—perfect for appetizers or finger food!
Case Study: The Evolution of Sloppy Joes
Interestingly, the history of sloppy joes dates back to the early 20th century, when loose meat sandwiches first gained popularity among diners across the United States. Originally a simple mixture of ground beef and tomato sauce, sloppy joes became a household staple due to their affordability and ease of preparation. Over the years, countless variations have emerged—enter the Texas Toast Sloppy Joe, an evolution that combines Southern flair with Midwestern comfort food tradition.
By swapping out the typical hamburger bun for the thick, garlicky slices of Texas toast, this variation has added a whole new level of texture and flavor. The use of thick-cut bread has become especially popular in regions where Texas toast is a supermarket staple, such as the Southern United States. Today, it’s not uncommon to find variations of this dish in casual restaurants and food trucks, further cementing its status as a beloved modern comfort food.
Final Thoughts: Try Texas Toast Sloppy Joes for Your Next Meal
In conclusion, Texas Toast Sloppy Joes offers a flavorful, fun twist on the classic sloppy joe recipe. Whether you’re craving something quick for a weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests at a gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver. The combination of crispy, buttery toast and rich, saucy filling is a hit for all ages, and the endless customization options mean you’ll never get bored.
Give it a try, and let us know your favorite ways to make Texas Toast Sloppy Joes even more delicious! Whether it’s adding spicy peppers, trying different cheeses, or using a plant-based protein, the possibilities are endless.