Texas Toast Sloppy Joes (The Ultimate Open-Faced Comfort)
I served up a tray of these Texas Toast Sloppy Joes earlier this evening, and it’s a beautiful reminder that sometimes the best comfort food is messy, cheesy, and requires a fork. If you love a classic Sloppy Joe but find that standard buns just get soggy and fall apart, this version is your solution. The thick, garlicky crunch of Texas Toast acts as a sturdy “raft” for that savory meat sauce, and the melted cheese on top ties the whole thing together.
This is a rare and beautiful win for a busy weeknight. It takes the childhood nostalgia of a Joe and elevates it into a hearty, “steakhouse-style” sandwich. By using thick-cut garlic bread as the base, you get a buttery, aromatic crunch in every bite that a regular bun just can’t provide.
Whether you’re feeding a group of hungry kids or just looking for a 20-minute dinner that hits the spot, this is the meal that will have everyone asking for “just one more slice.”
Simple Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
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1 lb lean ground beef
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1 box (8 count) frozen Texas Toast (the garlic butter kind)
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½ medium yellow onion, finely diced
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½ green bell pepper, diced
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¾ cup ketchup
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tsp yellow mustard
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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½ tsp garlic powder
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2 cups shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
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Optional: Sliced pickles or fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1) Prep the Toast Preheat your oven according to the Texas Toast box instructions (usually 425°F/220°C). Place the frozen toast on a baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes per side, or until just starting to get golden.
2) Brown the Meat While the toast is baking, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat with the onions and bell peppers. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, then drain any excess grease.
3) Make the Sauce Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for 5–10 minutes until it thickens into a rich, glossy sauce.
4) Assemble Remove the toast from the oven. Spoon a generous amount of the Sloppy Joe mixture onto each slice of bread.
5) The Cheesy Finish Top each slice with a heavy handful of shredded cheese. Return the baking sheet to the oven for 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
6) Serve Top with pickles or parsley and serve immediately. You might want to keep some napkins handy—or a fork!
Why These Sloppy Joes Are the Best
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The “Sturdy” Factor: Texas Toast is thick enough to hold the sauce without turning into mush.
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Garlic Butter Base: You get the extra flavor of the garlic toast built right into the sandwich.
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Fast and Efficient: Using frozen toast saves you the time of buttering and seasoning individual buns.
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Cheesy Upgrade: Melting the cheese over the top creates a “seal” that keeps everything in place.
Tips for Success
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Drain the Grease: Make sure to drain the beef thoroughly before adding the sauce ingredients so your toast stays crisp.
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Don’t Over-Bake the Bread: In step one, take the toast out just before it’s fully done. It will finish cooking once you add the meat and cheese.
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The “Ladle” Method: Use a large spoon or a small ladle to press the meat into the center of the toast to prevent it from sliding off the edges.
Easy Variations
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BBQ Style: Swap the ketchup and sugar for your favorite smoky BBQ sauce.
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Philly Twist: Add sautéed mushrooms and swap the cheddar for Provolone cheese.
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Spicy Joes: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture.
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Turkey Joes: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner version of the classic.
FAQ – Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
Can I use fresh bread instead of frozen?
Yes! Just slice some thick Italian bread, brush it with garlic butter, and toast it in the oven for a few minutes before adding the toppings.
How do I keep the meat from falling off?
The melted cheese acts as a “glue.” Make sure you cover the meat entirely with cheese to help hold the structure together.
Can I make the meat ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can make the Sloppy Joe mixture up to two days in advance. Just reheat it on the stove before assembling the toast.
How do I store leftovers?
It is best to store the meat and the toast separately. Reheat the meat on the stove and bake a fresh slice of toast for the best texture.
