Nothing beats a good sloppy joe, and when you pair it with buttery Texas toast, well, you've got something special on your hands. I've been making these for years, and let me tell you – regular bread just won't do. You need those thick slices of Texas toast to stand up to all that meaty goodness.
The trick is getting your seasoning just right. None of that canned stuff – we're making this from scratch, the way it ought to be. A good mix of onions, garlic, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce gives the meat real depth.
Take your time with the sauce; let it simmer down until it's thick enough to mound on your spoon but still juicy enough to make a proper mess.
As for the Texas toast, don't skimp on the butter, and keep your eye on it under the broiler. One minute you've got golden perfection, the next it's black as coal. Trust me on this – I've burned my share over the years.
These sandwiches aren't fancy, but they'll stick to your ribs and keep folks coming back for seconds. Perfect for those nights when you want something filling without all the fuss.
Recipe
Texas Toast Sloppy Joes combines the hearty, messy goodness of traditional sloppy joes with the buttery, garlicky crunch of Texas toast. This elevated comfort food takes the classic sandwich to new heights by replacing regular hamburger buns with thick-cut, toasted garlic bread that stands up perfectly to the rich, saucy meat filling. Much like the satisfying flavors of a new twist on a classic BLT pasta salad, this recipe offers a unique take on comfort food that's perfect for gatherings.
This recipe serves 6 people and takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. The combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in the meat mixture pairs perfectly with the crispy, buttery Texas toast, creating a satisfying meal that's ideal for casual family dinners or game day gatherings.
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 slices Texas toast
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces. Add onion and bell pepper, cooking until vegetables are soft. Stir in garlic, tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and seasonings. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes while preparing Texas toast according to package directions, adding extra garlic powder and butter before toasting. Serve the meat mixture on Texas toast slices, using two pieces per serving.
For best results, avoid overloading the Texas toast with too much meat mixture, as this can make the sandwich difficult to eat. The meat sauce can be made ahead and reheated when needed, but the Texas toast should always be prepared just before serving to maintain its crispy texture. If the meat mixture seems too wet, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reach desired consistency.
Sloppy Joes meet Texas-sized flavor in this hearty twist on the classic sandwich. While traditional Sloppy Joes emerged in the 1930s as a Depression-era comfort food, this variation kicks things up by serving the savory meat mixture on thick-cut, buttery Texas toast instead of standard hamburger buns.
The robust garlic and butter-enriched bread provides a sturdy foundation that stands up to the saucy filling, while adding an extra layer of flavor that regular buns simply can't match. Originally created in Beaumont, Texas in the 1940s, Texas toast has since become a beloved staple throughout the South and beyond, making it a natural partner for this family-friendly favorite.
Conclusion
Folks, these Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are about as comforting as it gets. Start with good thick-sliced bread – none of that flimsy stuff from the regular aisle. You want Texas toast, the kind that's cut a full inch thick. Slather it with butter and a sprinkle of garlic powder, then toast it until it's golden brown.
The meat mixture needs to be just right – not too wet, not too dry. Brown your ground beef in a heavy skillet (cast iron works wonders), add your onions and let them get soft and sweet. Dump in your tomato sauce, a splash of Worcestershire, and whatever seasonings make you happy. I like a little brown sugar and mustard in mine.
The trick is getting that toast crispy enough to hold up under the meat, but not so hard you can't bite through it. When everything's ready, pile that meat mixture right on top of your garlic toast. Don't worry about being neat – they're called sloppy joes for a reason.
Some folks like to add cheese. Go ahead if that's your thing. Just remember, the star here is that crispy, buttery Texas toast holding up all that savory meat. It's simple food done right.