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Texas Toast Sloppy Joes

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Texas Toast Sloppy Joes combine buttery garlic toast with a rich, tangy beef filling made from ground meat, ketchup, and spices. Finished with melted mozzarella and baked to perfection, these open-faced sandwiches deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, they’re a nostalgic twist on a classic American comfort food. Ready in just 30 minutes, these Sloppy Joes are hearty, satisfying, and a hit with both kids and adults.

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Recipe Author Maria
Updated as of Thu, 19 Jun 2025 22:19:01 GMT
A plate of sloppy joes on toast. Bookmark
A plate of sloppy joes on toast. | foodbymary.com

Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are made with crispy garlic toasts and and homemade sloppy joe filling. This easy and delicious dinner can be ready in 30 minutes!

Some dishes are quintessentially American. A slice of apple pie with ice cream on the 4th of July. A perfectly cooked turkey on Thanksgiving Day. And a delicious Ham dinner at Christmas. I could go on and on, but it’s time to start talking about this new iconic sandwich. My Texas Toast Sloppy Joes take the classic American sandwich to a whole new level. Once you start making Sloppy Joes this way it may become your new go-to. It’s definitely my new favorite!

TEXAS TOAST SLOPPY JOES

I am sure that you love a traditional sloppy joe. I do too! As a kid I loved them, and I still do as an adult. Maybe even more so now. Growing up, we usually ate these on a hamburger bun. It is delicious, but sometimes change is good. This time I’m using cheesy Texas toast slices and baking them in the oven as I prepare the sloppy joe filling. Once the toasts are done baking, I pile the filling on top, and even add some mozzarella cheese. It creates the most amazing open-face sandwich!

INGREDIENTS

  • Butter: 1 tablespoon
  • Yellow onion: 1/4 cup chopped
  • Lean ground beef: 1 pound
  • Ketchup: 1 cup
  • Water: 1/4 cup
  • Brown sugar: 1/4 cup packed
  • Worcestershire sauce: 2 tablespoons
  • Red wine vinegar: 1 tablespoon
  • Chili powder: 2 teaspoons
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Garlic Texas Toast: 1 box (8 slices)
  • Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups shredded

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

Cook beef and onion:
Melt butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion. Cook and crumble until the meat is no longer pink. Drain grease.
Simmer the filling:
Add the ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, chili powder, salt and pepper. Stir well. Let simmer over low heat for 20 minutes.
Bake the toast:
Meanwhile, bake the Texas Toast in the oven according to package directions. Carefully remove from the oven and leave them on the baking sheet.
Assemble and bake:
Top each Texas Toast with a portion of the sloppy joe mixture. Sprinkle cheese all over the tops. Place back in the oven and bake for another 5 minutes or until the cheese melts.
Finish and serve:
Sprinkle the tops with parsley, if desired. Serve and enjoy.
A plate of Texas Toast Sloppy Joes. Bookmark
A plate of Texas Toast Sloppy Joes. | foodbymary.com

SERVINGS

This recipe makes 8 servings. This recipe can easily be doubled if serving more.

MEAT SUBSTITUTIONS

If you are looking to make this protein packed meal a little bit leaner, then you can substitute ground beef with either lean ground turkey or ground chicken. It’s such an easy solution to make this flavorful meal a little healthier. A vegetarian version is even possible! There are a few brands out there that

A slice of Texas Toast with Sloppy Joes on it. Bookmark
A slice of Texas Toast with Sloppy Joes on it. | foodbymary.com

make a meatless ground beef product. Substitute with one of your favorites and this will still be a mouthwatering sandwich.

SIDE OPTIONS

Now this sandwich may be enough of a meal on its own, but I like to make sure there is something colorful on the plate. I will serve this with a simple side salad and some Ranch dressing on top. That way I know the Lofthouse gang is getting their daily dose of vegetables. You can also serve with sliced vegetables such as carrots and celery.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative. It absorbs the sauce well and keeps the dish flavorful and hearty.

→ How do I keep the toast from getting soggy?

Bake the garlic toast first until crisp, then top with the beef mixture right before serving to preserve texture.

→ Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes, you can substitute the beef with plant-based ground alternatives. The flavor still shines with the same seasonings.

→ Can I prepare the meat filling ahead of time?

Absolutely. Make the filling a day ahead and store in the fridge. Reheat and assemble when ready to serve.

→ What sides go well with this dish?

A simple side salad, carrot sticks, or celery with dip pair well to balance the richness of the sandwich.

→ Can I freeze the filling?

Yes, the sloppy joe mixture freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months and thaw before reheating.

Texas Toast Sloppy Joes

Crispy toast, hearty beef filling, and melty cheese for a quick American-style dinner.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
25 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Recipe Author: Maria

Dish Category: Main Dishes

Recipe Difficulty: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine: American

Serves: 8 Serving Size (8 open-face sandwiches)

Dietary Options: ~

What You’ll Need to Cook

→ Main Ingredients

Ingredient 01 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Ingredient 02 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion
Ingredient 03 1 pound lean ground beef
Ingredient 04 1 cup ketchup
Ingredient 05 1/4 cup water
Ingredient 06 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
Ingredient 07 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Ingredient 08 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Ingredient 09 2 teaspoons chili powder
Ingredient 10 1 teaspoon salt
Ingredient 11 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Ingredient 12 1 box (8 slices) garlic Texas toast
Ingredient 13 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps to Prepare

Step 01

Melt butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion. Cook and crumble until the meat is browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease.

Step 02

Stir in ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 03

While the filling simmers, bake garlic Texas toast according to package instructions. Leave baked slices on the baking sheet.

Step 04

Top each toast slice with the beef mixture and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella. Return to oven and bake for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Step 05

Remove from oven and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Extra Cooking Tips

  1. Substitute ground beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for a leaner or vegetarian option.
  2. Watch the cheese closely while baking to prevent burning.
  3. Pair with salad or fresh vegetables for a balanced meal.

Must-Have Tools

  • Large non-stick skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Baking sheet
  • Oven
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Always check ingredient labels for allergens and seek expert advice if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (butter, cheese)
  • Contains gluten (Texas toast)
  • Contains soy and fish (Worcestershire sauce)

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These details are for guidance and aren’t a replacement for professional advice.
  • Calories Count: 420
  • Fats: 22 grams
  • Carbs: 34 grams
  • Proteins: 21 grams