How to Make Texas Toast Sloppy Joes

If you love sloppy joes but wish they held up better, this recipe is for you. Thick, buttery garlic Texas toast makes the perfect base for the saucy beef filling, and a layer of melted cheddar takes it over the top. It’s crunchy, cheesy, and messy in the best way comfort food done right.

These come together in about 20 minutes, making them just as good for a quick weeknight dinner as they are for game day or when you’re craving something hearty.

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Ingredients

For the filling:

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef (85/15)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• ½ cup beef broth (or water with 1 tsp bouillon)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the toast:

• 8 slices Texas toast
• 3 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Make the toast
   Preheat the broiler or an air fryer. Mix the melted butter with garlic powder, brush onto one side of each slice, and toast until golden.
2. Cook the beef
   Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through. Drain most of the fat, leaving about a tablespoon.
3. Add the veggies
   Stir in the onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5–6 minutes. Add garlic and cook another minute.
4. Build the sauce
   Stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, broth, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
5. Assemble
   Place the Texas toast (buttered side down) on a baking sheet. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture on top and sprinkle with cheese.
6. Melt the cheese
   Broil for 1–2 minutes, just until the cheese is bubbly. Garnish with parsley if you like. Serve hot.

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Tips

• Toast the bread well so it holds up under the filling.
• Drain excess fat for a cleaner, richer sauce.
• Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or provolone.
• Add jalapeños or hot sauce if you like a little heat.

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Serving & Storing

Serve with fries, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or just a simple salad.

The sloppy joe mixture keeps in the fridge (separate from the toast) for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, toast fresh bread, and assemble when ready.