Sloppy Joe Texas Toast Recipe
Introduction
Sloppy Joe Texas Toast is a delicious and satisfying twist on the classic Sloppy Joe sandwich. This dish combines thick slices of buttery Texas toast with a rich, tangy, and meaty Sloppy Joe mixture, all topped with melted cheese for an extra layer of flavor. It’s an easy-to-make, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for weeknights, game days, or gatherings.
History of Sloppy Joes and Texas Toast
Sloppy Joes date back to the early 20th century and are believed to have originated in the United States. The concept of loose meat sandwiches, similar to Sloppy Joes, was popularized in the 1930s. Some sources claim a cook named Joe in Sioux City, Iowa, added tomato sauce to a loose meat sandwich, creating what we now know as the Sloppy Joe.
Texas toast, on the other hand, is a thick-sliced bread that originated in the 1940s in Texas. It was first created when a bakery in Beaumont, Texas, accidentally cut bread slices too thick to fit into a toaster. Instead of discarding them, they were buttered and grilled, leading to the creation of Texas toast.
By combining these two comfort food favorites, Sloppy Joe Texas Toast is a modern take on a nostalgic meal, loved by many across the U.S.
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
For the Texas Toast:
• 6 slices of Texas toast (thick-cut bread)
• 3 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tsp garlic powder
For the Topping:
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sloppy Joe Mixture
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess grease.
2. Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix well.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
Step 2: Prepare the Texas Toast
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the Texas toast slices on the baking sheet. Brush each slice with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.
3. Toast the bread in the oven for 5 minutes or until slightly crispy.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
1. Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture generously over each slice of Texas toast.
2. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
3. Place the baking sheet back in the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove from the oven, let it cool for a minute, and serve warm. You can garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for extra flavor.
Benefits of Sloppy Joe Texas Toast
1. High Protein – The beef (or turkey) provides a good source of protein, which helps in muscle building and repair.
2. Rich in Flavor – The combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser.
3. Quick and Easy – A perfect meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.
4. Customizable – You can add veggies like mushrooms or zucchini or make it spicy with jalapeños.
5. Kid-Friendly – Kids love the cheesy and saucy combination!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
• Calories: 420-500
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fats: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients used.
Who Loves Sloppy Joe Texas Toast?
This dish is beloved by:
• Families: A hit with both kids and adults.
• Comfort Food Lovers: Perfect for those who crave warm, cheesy, and hearty meals.
• Busy Professionals: Quick and easy to prepare on a hectic schedule.
• Game Day Fans: A great snack or meal for watching sports.
Conclusion
Sloppy Joe Texas Toast is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together the best of two worlds – the rich, flavorful Sloppy Joe and the crispy, buttery Texas toast. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Try it out, customize it to your liking, and enjoy every bite of this cheesy, meaty delight!