Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are a hearty and flavorful twist on the classic Sloppy Joes, featuring a savory ground beef mixture served on thick, buttery Texas toast. This comforting dish combines the rich, tangy flavors of the traditional Sloppy Joe with the satisfying crunch and buttery taste of Texas Toast. Ideal for a family dinner or casual gathering, these sandwiches are easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
For the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Texas Toast:
- 8 slices Texas Toast (thick-cut bread)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional, for garlic butter)
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
Step 3: Prepare the Sloppy Joe Sauce
In a medium bowl, mix together the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined. This mixture will provide the sweet, tangy, and savory flavor typical of Sloppy Joes.
Step 4: Combine Meat and Sauce
Pour the Sloppy Joe sauce over the cooked beef and vegetables in the skillet. Stir well to combine, making sure all the meat and vegetables are coated with the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Prepare the Texas Toast
While the Sloppy Joe mixture simmers, prepare the Texas Toast. Spread the softened butter on one side of each slice of Texas Toast. If desired, mix the minced garlic into the butter for a garlic-flavored toast.
Step 6: Toast the Bread
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the buttered side of the Texas Toast down in the skillet and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Alternatively, you can toast the bread in the oven under the broiler, but be sure to watch closely to avoid burning.
Step 7: Assemble the Sloppy Joes
Once the Texas Toast is toasted and the Sloppy Joe mixture is ready, spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture onto the unbuttered side of each slice of toast. You can use one slice of toast for an open-faced sandwich or top with another slice for a classic sandwich.
Step 8: Serve the Sloppy Joes
Serve the Texas Toast Sloppy Joes immediately, while the toast is still warm and crispy. They are delicious on their own, but you can also add toppings like shredded cheese, pickles, or sliced onions if desired.
Step 9: Customize Your Sloppy Joes
Feel free to customize the recipe according to your preferences. You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat, or mix in some chopped mushrooms or grated carrots for added nutrition.
Step 10: Making Ahead
The Sloppy Joe mixture can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove before serving. The Texas Toast is best prepared fresh, but you can keep the toasted bread warm in a low oven if needed.
Step 11: Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sloppy Joe mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving. If you have leftover Texas Toast, store it in an airtight container to keep it from becoming too soft.
Conclusion:
Texas Toast Sloppy Joes offer a delicious and satisfying twist on a classic favorite. The thick, buttery Texas Toast provides the perfect base for the flavorful and hearty Sloppy Joe mixture. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a family or a group of friends.
Additional Tips:
- For a complete meal, serve Texas Toast Sloppy Joes with a side of coleslaw, potato chips, or a simple green salad.
- To add extra flavor, try mixing in some cooked bacon bits or shredded cheese into the Sloppy Joe mixture.
- Adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce by varying the amount of brown sugar and mustard according to your taste.
Enjoy your flavorful and satisfying Texas Toast Sloppy Joes!
