Easy cheesy weeknight dinner winner

These Texas toast sloppy joes transform a classic comfort food into something even more irresistible. Thick slices of buttery, garlicky Texas toast create the perfect foundation for a rich, tangy sloppy joe mixture topped with melted cheese. The crispy toast holds up beautifully to the hearty topping, making this version far less messy than traditional sloppy joes while delivering all the flavors you love.

I made these for my family last football season and they instantly became our go-to game day meal. My teenage son, who typically complains about "boring dinners," actually requested them three weekends in a row! The combination of that crunchy, garlicky toast with the savory-sweet meat mixture is truly something special.

Ingredients

• 6 slices thick-cut white bread: Aunt Millie's is my go-to brand, but any thick-sliced white bread works wonderfully
• ½ cup salted butter, softened: The butter needs to be soft enough to spread easily without tearing the bread
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Fresh garlic burns too easily, so powder gives you that garlic flavor without the risk
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley: This adds a nice color contrast and subtle flavor to the buttery toast
• 1 pound ground beef (85/15 lean-to-fat ratio): This ratio gives you enough fat for flavor but not so much that your mixture becomes greasy
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced: The smaller you dice it, the better it incorporates into the sauce
• ½ green bell pepper, finely diced: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet crunch that balances the richness of the meat
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds depth to the meat mixture that powdered simply can't match
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar: The hint of sweetness balances the acidity of the tomato products
• 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds warmth without making it spicy
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the mixture
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle bite to the background
• ½ cup ketchup: Provides sweetness and tomato flavor
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard: The vinegary tang cuts through the richness
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce
• 1 tablespoon steak sauce (like A1): My secret ingredient that adds incredible depth and umami
• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar stands up to the bold flavors in the meat mixture

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare your oven and bread:

Preheat your oven to 350°F. While it's heating up, take your butter out of the refrigerator so it can soften enough to spread easily. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup later. This preparation step is crucial because you'll want everything ready to go once you start assembling.

Step 2: Butter and season the bread:

Using a butter knife or small spatula, generously spread softened butter on both sides of each slice of bread. Don't skimp here – the butter is what creates that gorgeous golden crispiness that makes Texas toast so irresistible. After buttering, place the slices on your prepared baking sheet and sprinkle the tops with half of the garlic powder and dried parsley.

Step 3: Flip and season again:

Use your fingers or a spoon to gently flip each slice over, being careful not to lose the seasoning. Once flipped, sprinkle the remaining garlic powder and dried parsley on the second side. The even distribution of seasonings ensures every bite has that signature Texas toast flavor that makes this recipe special.

Step 4: Begin toasting the bread:

Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and let the bread toast for exactly 5 minutes. You're looking for it to just begin turning golden around the edges – it will go back in the oven later, so you don't want it fully toasted yet. Once the time is up, remove the baking sheet and use tongs to flip each piece over. Leave the toasted bread on the baking sheet while you prepare the sloppy joe mixture.

Step 5: Brown the ground beef:

While the bread is getting its initial toast, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it into small pieces with a wooden spoon or meat masher. Cook until the beef is completely browned with no pink remaining, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and continue breaking up any larger chunks.

Step 6: Drain the excess fat:

Once the beef is fully cooked, carefully transfer it to a colander or strainer positioned over a bowl to catch the draining fat. Letting the excess fat drain away prevents your sloppy joe mixture from becoming greasy and helps the sauce coat the meat more effectively. Let it sit for about 1 minute to drain thoroughly.

Step 7: Sauté the vegetables:

Return the skillet to the heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add your diced onions and green peppers. Sauté until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 8: Combine meat and seasonings:

Return the drained ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle in the brown sugar, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture. These dry seasonings need to be added before the wet ingredients so they can properly bloom in the heat.

Step 9: Add the sauce ingredients:

Pour in the ketchup, yellow mustard, tomato paste, and steak sauce. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients into a cohesive, saucy mixture. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let everything simmer together for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. The mixture should be thick enough to sit on top of the toast without making it soggy.

Step 10: Assemble and finish baking:

Use a large spoon to evenly distribute the hot sloppy joe mixture over each piece of partially toasted bread on your baking sheet. Aim for a generous but even layer that covers the bread completely. Immediately sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each portion, dividing it equally among all six pieces.

Step 11: Final bake:

Return the loaded Texas toast to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and beginning to bubble around the edges. The bottom of the bread should be golden brown and crispy, providing the perfect contrast to the saucy topping.

Step 12: Rest briefly before serving:

Remove from the oven and let the Texas toast sloppy joes rest for about 1 minute before serving. This brief rest allows the cheese to set slightly and makes them easier to transfer to plates without sliding off. Serve while still hot for the best flavor and texture experience.

Pin it

The Joy of Simple Comfort Food

There's something deeply satisfying about transforming humble ingredients into a meal that makes everyone smile. These Texas toast sloppy joes remind me of childhood dinners at my grandmother's table, but with a grown-up twist that makes them feel special. The contrast between the crispy, buttery toast and the savory-sweet meat mixture creates a perfect harmony of textures and flavors.

I learned this recipe from my neighbor during a block party years ago, and it's become one of my most reliable weeknight solutions. The first time I made it for my husband, he looked skeptical – until that first bite when his eyes widened in surprise. Now he requests it at least twice a month, especially during football season.

The steak sauce is my absolute secret weapon in this recipe. Most people can't quite identify what gives the mixture such depth, but that single tablespoon makes all the difference. My mother-in-law kept asking for my "special ingredient" for months before I finally revealed my simple trick!

Creative Serving Ideas

While these Texas toast sloppy joes are delicious on their own, I sometimes like to create a "build-your-own" bar with additional toppings. Setting out small bowls of pickled jalapeños, crispy fried onions, and extra cheese lets everyone customize their creation. This approach has been especially popular when we have friends over to watch sports.

For a complete meal, I typically pair these with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The freshness and acidity of the salad perfectly balances the richness of the sloppy joes. When I'm feeling indulgent, I'll serve them with a side of crispy sweet potato fries or homemade potato chips.

I've been making these Texas toast sloppy joes for nearly a decade now, and they never fail to satisfy. There's something magical about how the crispy, buttery bread stands up to the rich meat mixture without getting soggy. It's comfort food at its finest – familiar yet special, simple yet delicious. Whether you're feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or looking for an easy game day crowd-pleaser, this recipe delivers every single time.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make Texas Toast Sloppy Joes ahead of time?

You can make the sloppy joe filling up to 3 days ahead and store in the fridge. Toast the bread and assemble just before serving for best results.

→ What can I serve with Texas Toast Sloppy Joes?

These are great with a simple side salad, potato chips, pickles, coleslaw, or french fries. They're hearty enough to be a complete meal on their own too.

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey works great as a substitute. You might want to add a bit more Worcestershire sauce since turkey has a milder flavor than beef.

→ Can I freeze leftover sloppy joe filling?

Absolutely! The filling freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before assembling on fresh toast.

→ What if I don't have Texas toast?

Regular thick-cut bread, hamburger buns, or even garlic bread from the freezer section works fine. Just adjust toasting time as needed.

→ Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meat first, then combine with all sauce ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then spoon onto freshly toasted bread.