Texas Toast Sloppy Joes

For the Sloppy Joe Filling:

• Ground Beef: The base of your Sloppy Joe filling. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
• Bell Peppers: Green bell peppers work best, but feel free to use red or yellow peppers for a sweeter taste and colorful presentation.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic brings an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
• Tomato Sauce: Provides the rich, tangy base for the Sloppy Joe sauce.
• Ketchup: Adds a sweet and slightly tangy element to balance the savory flavors.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami to the sauce.
• Brown Sugar: A bit of sweetness to balance out the acidity of the tomato-based sauce.
• Mustard: A touch of mustard for tang and flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: For seasoning the filling to taste.

For the Texas Toast:

• Texas Toast: Thick, buttery slices of Texas toast (pre-made or homemade). You’ll toast these until golden and crispy.
• Butter: For spreading on the bread to enhance the flavor and crispiness.

How to Make Texas Toast Sloppy Joes

This recipe comes together in just a few easy steps. Here’s how you can make these mouthwatering sandwiches:

Step 1: Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling

1. Cook the Ground Beef: Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 7-8 minutes). Drain any excess grease from the beef.
2. Sauté the Veggies: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef and cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Make the Sauce: Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and the flavors meld together. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
4. Taste and Adjust: Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or sugar to suit your preference.

Step 2: Prepare the Texas Toast

1. Toast the Bread: While the Sloppy Joe mixture simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the Texas toast on a baking sheet and bake according to the package instructions, typically 5-6 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
2. Butter the Toast: Once the toast is golden and crispy, remove it from the oven and butter each slice generously for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches

1. Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Once the Texas toast is ready and the Sloppy Joe filling has thickened, spoon a generous amount of the Sloppy Joe mixture onto one slice of Texas toast.
2. Top with the Second Slice: Place the second slice of toasted Texas toast on top to complete your sandwich.
3. Serve: Serve the sandwiches immediately while they’re hot and delicious. Enjoy the messy, flavorful goodness of Texas Toast Sloppy Joes!

Tips for Making Perfect Texas Toast Sloppy Joes

• Use Lean Ground Beef: While you can use any ground meat for this recipe, lean ground beef (at least 85% lean) will prevent your Sloppy Joe filling from becoming too greasy.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce or some finely chopped jalapeños to the filling. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Use Homemade Texas Toast: If you have the time, you can make your own Texas toast from scratch using thick slices of your favorite bread and garlic butter.
• Add Cheese: For an extra layer of flavor, top the Sloppy Joe filling with a slice of melted cheese before placing the second slice of toast on top. Cheddar, mozzarella, or even provolone would work well.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftover Sloppy Joe filling, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet or microwave. When you’re ready to serve it, just toast a fresh batch of Texas toast and assemble the sandwiches again for a quick and satisfying meal.

Pairing Ideas

Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are hearty and filling on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

• Coleslaw: A cool, tangy coleslaw complements the rich, savory flavors of the Sloppy Joe.
• Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges make a great side for this messy sandwich, adding some extra crunch.
• Pickles: A side of tangy dill pickles cuts through the richness of the sandwich and adds a nice crunch.
• Corn on the Cob: Sweet, buttery corn on the cob is a great addition to any barbecue-style meal.