Texas Toast Sloppy Joes: Crispy, Cheesy Comfort Food Upgrade
If you’ve ever wished sloppy joes were a little less soggy and a lot more satisfying, this Texas Toast Sloppy Joes recipe is your answer. We’re upgrading the classic with buttery garlic Texas toast, a rich and savory homemade sloppy joe filling, and a gooey blanket of sharp cheddar.
The result? A crunchy, saucy, cheesy masterpiece that’s ready in just 20 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners, game day eats, or whenever comfort food cravings strike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crunchy upgrade — Texas toast holds the saucy filling without falling apart.
- Quick dinner — on the table in 20 minutes.
- Kid-friendly — sweet, tangy, and cheesy flavors everyone loves.
- Customizable — add extra veggies, spice it up, or swap in your favorite cheese.
- Meal-prep friendly — the sloppy joe meat reheats beautifully for leftovers.
Ingredients
Sloppy Joe Filling
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (85/15 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- ½ cup beef broth (or water + 1 tsp beef bouillon)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For Assembly
- 8 slices thick Texas toast
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush (for butter)
- Broiler or air fryer
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Garlic Toast
Preheat oven broiler or air fryer. Mix melted butter with garlic powder, brush onto one side of each slice, and toast buttered-side up until golden.
2. Cook the Meat
In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain most of the grease, leaving about 1 tbsp.
3. Sauté the Veggies
Add diced onion and green pepper. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute.
4. Build the Sauce
Add ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, broth, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and simmer 10–15 minutes until thickened.
5. Assemble
Place toasted Texas toast (toasted side down) on a baking sheet. Spoon sloppy joe filling on top and sprinkle generously with cheddar cheese.
6. Broil & Serve
Broil for 1–2 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Pro Tips for the Best Sloppy Joes
- Toast it well: The crispier the bread, the better it holds the saucy filling.
- Drain fat: Keeps the filling rich but not greasy.
- Cheese variety: Try Monterey Jack, pepper Jack, or provolone for a twist.
- Spicy kick: Add jalapeños, cayenne, or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
Serving, Pairing & Storing
Serving Ideas:
- With crispy fries or sweet potato fries
- Alongside a tangy pickle or coleslaw
- With a fresh salad for balance
Storage:
- Refrigerate sloppy joe meat (separate from toast) for up to 3 days.
- Reheat filling in a skillet or microwave, re-toast bread, and assemble fresh
Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat broiler. Brush toast with garlic butter, toast until golden.
- Brown beef in skillet, drain excess fat.
- Add onion & pepper, cook 5–6 mins. Stir in garlic.
- Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire, mustard, broth, and chili powder. Simmer 10–15 mins.
- Place toast slices on baking sheet (toasted side down). Top with meat mixture and cheddar.
- Broil 1–2 mins until cheese is bubbly. Garnish & serve.