Description
This hearty Texas toast sloppy joes recipe delivers a mouthwatering twist on classic comfort food. Melted cheese, savory beef, and crispy toast create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup (80 g) diced onion
- ½ cup (75 g) diced green bell pepper (optional)
- 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce
- ¼ cup (60 ml) ketchup
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 8 slices Texas toast or thick-cut bread
- 4 tbsps (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tsps garlic powder
- 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Meat Preparation: Sizzle ground beef in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, methodically crumbling and browning the meat until it transforms from pink to rich caramel color.
- Flavor Foundation: Drain excess grease, then introduce finely diced onions, vibrant bell peppers, and minced garlic, allowing aromatics to soften and release their fragrant essence.
- Sauce Composition: Blend tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture, creating a complex and harmonious flavor profile.
- Simmering Stage: Reduce heat and let the mixture gently simmer, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop a luxurious, clingy consistency for 12-15 minutes.
- Bread Transformation: Simultaneously toast Texas-style bread slices until achieving a golden, crisp exterior that will support the robust sloppy joe mixture.
- Final Assembly: Generously spoon the simmered beef blend atop the toasted bread, ensuring each slice receives an abundant portion of the savory, deeply flavored sauce.
Notes
- Meat Selection Matters: Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to minimize excess grease and maintain a rich, meaty flavor without overwhelming fat content.
- Perfect Simmering Technique: Stir the mixture occasionally during reduction, watching carefully to prevent burning and ensure sauce develops deep, concentrated flavors.
- Customize Spice Levels: Adjust paprika and pepper quantities to create mild or spicy versions, catering to different taste preferences and heat tolerances.
- Alternative Bread Options: Swap Texas toast with gluten-free bread, whole wheat slices, or low-carb alternatives for dietary accommodations without compromising dish’s core essence.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg