Texas Toast Sloppy Joes

This Texas Toast Sloppy Joes recipe elevates the beloved comfort food by serving it on garlic Texas toast with melted mozzarella cheese. Featuring perfectly seasoned ground beef in a savory Sloppy Joe sauce, this hearty dish is quick to prepare and a favorite among families.

Ingredients:

• 11.25 ounces Texas Toast Garlic (8 slices)
• 2 lbs Ground Beef (80/20)
• 1.31 ounces Sloppy Joe Mix Packet (McCormick) or homemade spices
• 24 ounces Manwich Original Sloppy Joe Sauce or homemade sauce
• 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• Fresh Parsley for topping, optional

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Texas Toast: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and arrange the frozen Texas toast slices in a single layer. Bake according to the instructions on the box until golden and crispy.
3. Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s about 90% cooked through. Drain excess grease into a heat-safe container.
4. Season and Sauce: Add the Sloppy Joe seasoning mix to the ground beef and continue cooking until fully cooked. Pour in the Sloppy Joe sauce, stir well, and cook for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and flavors meld together.
5. Assemble and Bake: Remove the baked Texas toast from the oven and evenly top each slice with the prepared meat mixture. Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each toast slice.
6. Finish Baking: Return the topped Texas toast to the oven and bake for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starts to brown.
7. Serve: Remove from the oven and use a spatula to plate the Texas Toast Sloppy Joes. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Prep and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: Varies (depending on toast instructions)
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes
• Servings: 8

Serving and Storage Tips :

Serving Tips

1. Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or a dash of paprika over the Texas Toast Sloppy Joes before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
2. Pair with Sides: Serve with a side of crispy fries, a garden salad, or coleslaw to complement the hearty flavors of the Sloppy Joes. These sides provide a balanced meal and add variety to your plate.
3. Add Freshness: Serve with sliced tomatoes, pickles, or avocado slices on the side to add freshness and texture to each bite of the Sloppy Joes.
4. Dipping Sauces: Provide dipping sauces such as ketchup, barbecue sauce, or hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick or variety in flavors.
5. Presentation: Arrange the Texas Toast Sloppy Joes on a platter with a decorative garnish of parsley or a sprinkle of shredded cheese to make them visually appealing and inviting.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover Texas Toast Sloppy Joes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Reheating: To reheat, place the Sloppy Joes on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This method helps retain the crispiness of the Texas toast.
3. Freezing: While Texas toast and Sloppy Joe mixture can be frozen separately, it’s best to assemble and bake them fresh for optimal taste and texture. If freezing is necessary, freeze the cooked ground beef mixture separately and toast the Texas toast fresh when ready to assemble.
4. Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the Sloppy Joe mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake the Texas toast just before serving for the best results.
5. Bulk Preparation: If planning for a large gathering, you can double the recipe and prepare multiple batches of Texas Toast Sloppy Joes. Keep them warm in a low-temperature oven or chafing dish until ready to serve.

These serving and storage tips ensure that your Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are not only delicious when served fresh but also maintain their quality when stored and reheated for later enjoyment. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone satisfied.

 Variations :

1. BBQ Bacon Sloppy Joes Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the Sloppy Joe mixture before topping the Texas toast with mozzarella. Drizzle with a bit of barbecue sauce for a smoky, savory twist.

2. Mushroom Swiss Sloppy Joes Sauté sliced mushrooms with the ground beef and onions. Top the Texas toast with the beef mixture and a slice of Swiss cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

3. Pizza Sloppy Joes Mix in diced pepperoni, black olives, and Italian seasoning with the Sloppy Joe sauce. Top Texas toast with the mixture and shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

4. Tex-Mex Sloppy Joes Add taco seasoning, black beans, corn kernels, and diced green chilies to the ground beef. Top Texas toast with the Tex-Mex beef mixture and shredded Mexican cheese blend. Serve with salsa and sour cream on the side.

5. Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Cook sliced bell peppers and onions with the ground beef until softened. Top Texas toast with the beef mixture and provolone cheese slices. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes Substitute ground chicken for beef and mix with buffalo sauce and ranch seasoning. Top Texas toast with the buffalo chicken mixture and crumbled blue cheese. Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Vegetarian Sloppy Joes Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu or cooked lentils for a vegetarian option. Add chopped bell peppers, onions, and zucchini to the Sloppy Joe sauce. Top Texas toast with the mixture and vegan cheese. Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Hawaiian Sloppy Joes Mix in diced pineapple and cooked ham pieces with the Sloppy Joe sauce. Top Texas toast with the Hawaiian mixture and shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Greek Sloppy Joes Add chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese to the ground beef mixture. Top Texas toast with the Greek-inspired mixture and crumbled feta cheese. Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly.

10. Breakfast Sloppy Joes Scramble eggs and mix with cooked ground sausage. Top Texas toast with the breakfast mixture and cheddar cheese. Serve with a side of maple syrup for dipping.

FAQs:

1. Can I use homemade garlic bread instead of Texas toast? Yes, you can use homemade garlic bread by toasting thick slices of French or Italian bread and brushing them with garlic butter before topping with Sloppy Joe mixture and cheese.

2. How can I make Texas Toast Sloppy Joes healthier? To make a healthier version, opt for lean ground beef or ground turkey. You can also reduce the amount of cheese used or substitute with a lighter cheese option like part-skim mozzarella or reduced-fat cheddar.

3. Can I make Texas Toast Sloppy Joes ahead of time? While it’s best to assemble and bake the Sloppy Joes just before serving to maintain the crispiness of the Texas toast, you can prepare the Sloppy Joe mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Warm it up before topping the toast and baking.

4. What can I serve alongside Texas Toast Sloppy Joes? These Sloppy Joes pair well with sides such as coleslaw, potato salad, sweet potato fries, or a simple green salad. These sides complement the hearty flavors and add variety to your meal.

5. How can I adjust the spice level of the Sloppy Joe mixture? To adjust the spice level, use mild or spicy Sloppy Joe sauce according to your preference. You can also add or reduce the amount of chili powder, paprika, or hot sauce in the mixture.

6. Can I freeze Texas Toast Sloppy Joes? It’s not recommended to freeze already assembled Texas Toast Sloppy Joes as the bread may become soggy upon thawing. However, you can freeze the cooked Sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

7. Can I make Texas Toast Sloppy Joes without cheese? Yes, if you prefer not to use cheese, you can omit it or substitute with dairy-free cheese alternatives. The Sloppy Joes will still be flavorful and delicious without cheese.

8. How do I prevent the Texas toast from becoming soggy? Ensure the Texas toast is baked until crisp before topping with the Sloppy Joe mixture and cheese. Avoid adding too much Sloppy Joe sauce or overbaking once topped to maintain the toast’s crispiness.

Enjoy this hearty and satisfying Texas Toast Sloppy Joes recipe as a delicious twist on a classic favorite! Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.