Description
These Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are a fun, ultra-comforting twist on the classic sandwich. Thick buttery Texas toast replaces the bun, creating a crispy golden base topped with rich, saucy homemade sloppy joe filling and gooey melted cheese.
One reviewer raved:
“Oh my gosh!! I made these for my son’s birthday party and I apparently didn’t make enough. They were gone in minutes, seriously. So yummy! Would work great with cheddar too.”
Perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, or whenever you need something hearty, fast, and guaranteed to disappear.
🍽 Servings
Serves 6 (makes 12 open-face sloppy joes)
⏱ Time
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
🧾 Ingredients
Sloppy Joe Mixture
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 small onion, finely diced
1 small green bell pepper, finely diced (optional but traditional)
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
Âľ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional for richness)
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
For Assembly
12 slices frozen Texas toast (garlic or plain—your choice)
1½–2 cups shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or Colby Jack
👩‍🍳 Instructions
1. Bake the Texas Toast
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Arrange Texas toast slices on a baking sheet.
Bake for 5–7 minutes, until lightly golden but not fully crisped.
2. Make the Sloppy Joe Filling
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat.
Drain excess grease.
Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire, brown sugar, tomato paste, chili powder, and paprika.
Simmer for 5–7 minutes, until thickened. Season to taste.
3. Assemble
Spoon a generous amount of sloppy joe mixture onto each half-baked slice of Texas toast.
Sprinkle cheese over each one.
4. Bake
Return to oven for 5–8 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and the toast edges are crisp.
5. Serve & Enjoy
Serve hot—expect them to disappear quickly!
🍴 Notes
Garlic Texas toast adds extra flavor, but plain also works great.
The mixture can be made ahead and reheated—perfect for parties.
You can double the filling if serving a crowd.
đź’ˇ Tips & Variations
âś” Try it with cheddar!
The original review is right—cheddar melts beautifully and adds a sharper flavor.
Other Options:
Spicy version: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
BBQ twist: Replace ÂĽ cup ketchup with BBQ sauce.
Veggie boost: Add finely diced carrots or mushrooms to the meat mixture.
Make it a sandwich: Add a second piece of Texas toast on top for a loaded, handheld version.
🥗 Benefits
Kid-friendly and party-approved.
Quick & easy, using simple ingredients.
Budget-friendly meal that tastes restaurant-level.
Customizable—cheese choices, spices, and veggies can be adapted easily.
đź“Š Nutrition (Per Serving: 2 slices)
Approximate values:
Calories: 540
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 42g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 880mg
(Values vary based on type of Texas toast and cheese used.)
âť“ Q & A Section
Q: Can I make the filling ahead of time?
A: Yes! The sloppy joe mixture stores beautifully for up to 3–4 days in the fridge.
Q: Can I freeze these?
A: Freeze only the sloppy joe mixture, not the assembled toast. Reheat and assemble fresh for the best texture.
Q: What cheese works best?
Cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, or Colby Jack all melt well. Use your favorite!
Q: Can I use turkey or plant-based meat?
Absolutely—this recipe works with turkey, chicken, or meat alternatives.
Q: What sides pair well?
French fries, salad, coleslaw, or roasted veggies are perfect.