Ground beef, tangy sloppy joe sauce, onions, mozzarella cheese, and buttery Texas toast come together for a quick, delicious dinner.
Let me set the scene for you: It was one of those nights. You know, the kind where everyone’s hungry, you’re staring at a half-empty fridge, and takeout feels like admitting defeat. I had ground beef thawing (because that’s my “I’ll figure it out later” move), a box of Texas toast buried in the freezer, and a random can of sloppy joe sauce I didn’t even remember buying.
Inspiration struck—what if I combined them? I figured, worst case, we’d still have garlic toast and beef, right? But let me tell you, this worked. The buttery toast held up to the saucy beef, and the melted mozzarella tied it all together. It was messy, comforting, and so good that my family immediately asked, “Can we have this again tomorrow?” Now, it’s our unofficial “we need dinner fast” recipe—and honestly, I’m not mad about it.
Why You’ll Love This Texas Toast Sloppy Joes Recipe?
Okay, let’s break it down. First, you’ve got the Texas toast: thick, buttery, garlicky perfection that stays sturdy under all that sloppy joe goodness. Then there’s the saucy beef—sweet, tangy, and savory all at once. And finally, the melted mozzarella on top? It’s like the cherry on a sundae (but, you know, cheesy).
What I love most is how versatile this recipe is. Feeding picky eaters? They’ll love it. Need something quick for a potluck? Done. Want to indulge in something messy and delicious on a random Wednesday? You’re covered.
Ingredient Notes:
Here’s why these simple ingredients work so well together:
- Lean Ground Beef: The heart of the dish. It’s filling and absorbs the sloppy joe sauce perfectly. Go for lean to avoid too much grease.
- Onions: These add a little sweetness and texture to the beef mixture. If you’re not a fan, you can skip them—but they do add a nice touch.
- Sloppy Joe Sauce: The shortcut hero. Use your favorite store-bought brand or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious.
- Texas Toast: This is what makes this recipe special. Thick, buttery, and garlicky—it’s the perfect base for the sloppy joe mixture.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, gooey, and so satisfying. You can swap it out for cheddar or pepper jack if you want to mix things up.
How To Make Texas Toast Sloppy Joes?
This recipe is so simple you’ll have it memorized after one try. Let’s break it down:
Want To Save This Recipe?
- Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 425°F. You’ll need it hot to get that Texas toast perfectly crispy. - Cook the Beef and Onions
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef and chopped onions. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess grease—trust me, no one wants a soggy sloppy joe. - Add the Sauce
Stir in the sloppy joe sauce and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes. This is where all the flavors come together, and your kitchen starts to smell amazing. - Bake the Texas Toast
Lay the frozen Texas toast slices on a baking sheet and bake them for 5 minutes. This gives them a head start so they’re crispy and ready to hold all that deliciousness. - Assemble the Sloppy Joes
Spoon the beef mixture onto each slice of toast. Don’t be shy—pile it on! Then sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top of each one. - Finish in the Oven
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. That golden brown crust? That’s your cue. - Serve and Enjoy
Let them cool for a minute (if you can wait) and dig in. Yes, they’re messy, but isn’t that part of the fun?
Storage Options:
If you somehow have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Just know the toast won’t be as crispy, but the flavor will still be amazing.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:
- Cheese Swap: Use cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for a little spice.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms.
- DIY Sauce: Make your own sloppy joe sauce with ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and vinegar.
- Custom Toast: Brush fresh bread with garlic butter if you don’t have frozen Texas toast on hand.
What to Serve with Texas Toast Sloppy Joes?
These sloppy joes are filling on their own, but a few sides can take your meal to the next level:
- Coleslaw: The cool, tangy crunch balances out the saucy, cheesy goodness.
- Fries or Tots: Because what’s a sloppy joe without some crispy potatoes?
- Simple Salad: A light green salad adds freshness and makes you feel a little better about going back for seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can cook the beef mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it and assemble the toast when you’re ready.
Can I use fresh bread instead of frozen Texas toast?
Totally! Just brush thick slices of bread with garlic butter and toast them in the oven before adding the beef mixture.
Can I freeze leftovers?
The beef mixture freezes beautifully, but the assembled sloppy joes might get soggy. If you plan to freeze, keep the components separate.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to turn your weeknight dinners into something fun, fast, and delicious? I’d love to hear how these Texas Toast Sloppy Joes turn out—or if you come up with your own creative twist. Let’s keep the comfort food train rolling!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ c finely chopped onion
- 15 oz. sloppy joe sauce or 1 batch homemade sauce
- 6 pieces frozen Texas toast
- 1 c mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- In a skillet cook 1 pound of ground beef along, with half a cup of chopped onion until browned. Remove any fat.
- Add 15 ounces of joe sauce to the beef and let it simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes.
- While the sauce is simmering, place 6 slices of frozen Texas toast, on a baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 5 minutes.
- Once the Texas toast is toasted, spread the joe mixture evenly on top of each slice. Sprinkle one cup of mozzarella cheese over the mixture.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven. Bake for 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted and turned golden brown.
- Serve your Texas Toast Sloppy Joes. Enjoy!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
