Texas Toast Sloppy Joes

Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are a delightful twist on the classic sloppy joes, combining the rich flavors of beef with cheesy, buttery Texas toast. This recipe is perfect for game day, family gatherings, or a cozy weeknight dinner. With melty cheese and a savory sauce, these sloppy joes are sure to impress everyone at the table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Cheesy Goodness – The addition of mozzarella cheese elevates the dish, providing a creamy texture and delicious flavor.
• Versatile Meal – Serve it as a main course or alongside your favorite sides; it fits any occasion perfectly!
• Kid-Friendly – Kids love the fun presentation and rich taste, making it an excellent choice for family meals.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – You can prepare the filling in advance and simply assemble with Texas toast when ready to bake.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing Texas Toast Sloppy Joes is straightforward with the right tools on hand.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Skillet
• Baking tray
• Parchment paper
• Slotted spoon
• Knife and cutting board

Why These Tools Matter

• Skillet – A good skillet ensures even cooking of the beef and quick sautéing of onions.
• Baking tray – Perfect for holding your Texas toast while baking it to golden perfection.
• Parchment paper – Keeps your baking tray clean and helps prevent sticking.
• Slotted spoon – Great for draining excess fat while ensuring you keep all those tasty juices.

Ingredients

Everyone’s favorite messy meal is now even better with the addition of plenty of melty cheese in this Texas toast sloppy Joes recipe.

For the Filling

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup yellow onion, finely chopped
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Toast

• 13.5 ounces Five Cheese Texas Toast (8 slices)
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (Sargento Creamery Mozzarella)

How to Make Texas Toast Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a large rimmed baking tray with parchment paper and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat:
1. Brown the ground beef for about 4 to 5 minutes or until there’s no pink left.
2. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the browned beef to a plate. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 3: Sauté Onions

In the same skillet over medium heat:
1. Add the unsalted butter along with the finely chopped onions.
2. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Stir in these ingredients into your skillet:
– Tomato sauce
– Ketchup
– Worcestershire sauce
– White vinegar
– Yellow mustard
– Brown sugar
– Garlic powder
– Onion powder
– Salt
– Black pepper
– Reserved cooked ground beef

Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 7 to 8 minutes until thickened.

Step 5: Prepare Texas Toast

While your sauce simmers:
1. Place 8 slices of frozen Five Cheese Texas Toast onto your prepared baking tray with cheese side facing up.
2. Bake for about 6 minutes until golden.

Step 6: Assemble Sloppy Joes

Once baked:
1. Remove from oven and top each slice with just under a half-cup of sloppy Joe mixture.
2. Add approximately ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each slice.

Step 7: Final Bake

Return the baking sheet to the oven:
1. Bake for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until cheese melts beautifully over each slice.

Enjoy your Texas Toast Sloppy Joes as a deliciously messy meal that everyone will love!

How to Serve Texas Toast Sloppy Joes

Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are a delightful and hearty meal that everyone will enjoy. Serving them with the right accompaniments can elevate your dining experience. Here are some creative ideas for serving this delicious dish.

Pair with Fresh Salad

• Garden Salad: A mix of fresh greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes drizzled with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing touch.
• Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw complements the richness of the sloppy Joes, providing a nice textural contrast.

Add Crunchy Snacks

• Potato Chips: Serve alongside crispy potato chips for a satisfying crunch.
• Pickles: Tangy pickles can cut through the richness and enhance the flavors of the sloppy Joes.

Offer Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing: A creamy ranch dressing is perfect for those who enjoy dipping their Texas toast.
• Hot Sauce: For spice lovers, a dash of hot sauce can elevate the flavor profile.

How to Perfect Texas Toast Sloppy Joes

Creating the ideal Texas Toast Sloppy Joes takes just a few extra steps. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Bold Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to adjust seasonings according to your taste preferences. Adding more garlic powder or black pepper can enhance the flavors.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ground beef and vegetables can greatly improve taste and texture compared to pre-packaged options.
• Control Thickness: If you prefer a thicker mixture, simmer your sauce longer to reduce it down.
• Choose Quality Bread: Opt for high-quality Texas toast for better flavor and texture; it should be thick enough to hold up against the filling.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try mixing different types of cheese for melting on top for varied flavors—consider cheddar or pepper jack.
• Serve Immediately: For best results, serve your sloppy Joes right after baking while everything is hot and melty.

Best Side Dishes for Texas Toast Sloppy Joes

Pairing side dishes with Texas Toast Sloppy Joes not only completes your meal but also provides variety. Here are some excellent suggestions:

1. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add sweetness and a crunchy texture that complements the savory sloppy Joes.
2. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob brushed with butter makes for a classic side.
3. Baked Beans: A side of baked beans offers a hearty, sweet complement that pairs well with beef.
4. Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad is a picnic favorite that adds creaminess next to the richness of your main dish.
5. Vegetable Stir-Fry: A colorful vegetable stir-fry brings freshness and additional nutrition to round out your meal.
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can cleanse your palate with its natural sweetness after each bite of flavorful sloppy Joe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Texas Toast Sloppy Joes, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect your dish. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them.

• Ignoring the meat’s doneness: Always ensure the ground beef is fully cooked before adding other ingredients. Undercooked meat can lead to foodborne illnesses.
• Overloading the toast: Avoid heaping too much sloppy Joe mixture on each slice of Texas toast. A little less than a ½ cup per slice is ideal for even cooking and easy eating.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Tastes vary, so consider adjusting spices like garlic powder and onion powder based on your preference. Taste the mixture before serving to get it just right.
• Skipping the simmer step: Don’t rush through simmering the sauce. Allow it to thicken properly for a better texture and flavor in your sloppy Joes.
• Using thawed Texas toast: Make sure to use frozen Texas toast for the best results. Using thawed bread may lead to sogginess when baking.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Texas Toast Sloppy Joes

• Freeze in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• They can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Texas Toast Sloppy Joes

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, place on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I customize my Texas Toast Sloppy Joes?

You can add various toppings such as jalapeños, pickles, or extra cheese. Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste preferences.

Can I use other types of bread instead of Texas toast?

Yes! While Texas toast adds a unique flavor and texture, you can use any thick bread like sourdough or ciabatta for this recipe.

How spicy are these Texas Toast Sloppy Joes?

This recipe is mild but you can easily add hot sauce or diced chili peppers for extra heat if desired.

What sides pair well with Texas Toast Sloppy Joes?

Consider serving with coleslaw, potato chips, or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

Texas Toast Sloppy Joes combine rich flavors and gooey cheese, making them an irresistible meal perfect for any occasion. Enjoy customizing this recipe with your favorite toppings or sides!