Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup ketchup; 1/2 cup tomato sauce; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbsp yellow mustard; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 6 slices frozen Texas toast (or thick-sliced bread, buttered and toasted); 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Texas Toast Sloppy Joes take everything I love about the classic sandwich and pile it onto buttery, garlicky Texas toast. These open-faced, cheesy, saucy bites are easy to throw together and always hit the spot when I want something filling, flavorful, and fast. With a mix of savory ground beef, tangy sauce, and crispy toast, it’s a comforting twist on a weeknight favorite.

Texas Toast Sloppy Joes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it turns a childhood classic into something even more crave-worthy. The thick, golden Texas toast gives the perfect crunch to balance out the rich, saucy meat. It’s easy to make in under 30 minutes, and it works just as well for dinner as it does for game day snacks. I also like that it’s easy to customize depending on what I’m craving or what I have on hand.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Onion, diced
Green bell pepper, diced
Garlic, minced
Ketchup
Tomato sauce
Brown sugar
Worcestershire sauce
Yellow mustard
Chili powder
Paprika
Salt and black pepper
Frozen Texas toast (or thick-sliced bread, buttered and toasted)
Shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

I start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s mostly cooked, I add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. I cook it all together until the veggies are soft.
Next, I stir in ketchup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. I let it simmer for about 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens.
While that’s cooking, I bake the Texas toast according to the package instructions until it’s golden and crispy. If I’m using homemade, I butter thick slices of bread and toast them under the broiler.
Once the toast is ready, I scoop a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture onto each slice.
I sprinkle the tops with cheddar cheese and pop them under the broiler for a minute or two—just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
I like to add a little parsley on top for a fresh touch, then serve them up while they’re hot and gooey.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. Prep takes around 10 minutes, and cooking adds another 20, so I usually have it ready in about 30 minutes total.

Variations

I sometimes use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
For extra spice, I add chopped jalapeños or use a spicy BBQ sauce in place of ketchup.
If I’m short on bread, I serve the sloppy joe mix over baked potatoes or even pasta.
For a sweet-and-savory spin, I stir in a bit of BBQ sauce or use sweet Hawaiian bread.
If I want it more melty and rich, I layer on pepper jack or mozzarella instead of cheddar.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover sloppy joe meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I don’t store assembled toasts, since the bread gets soggy. When I’m ready to eat, I reheat the meat on the stovetop or microwave until warm, then toast fresh bread and rebuild. It tastes just as good the second time around.

FAQs

Can I make the meat ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the meat mixture a day ahead and just reheat it when I’m ready to serve. It makes dinner prep even faster.

What kind of bread works best?

I like using frozen Texas toast because it’s thick and buttery, but any thick-cut bread works well as long as it holds up to the filling.

Can I freeze the sloppy joe mixture?

Definitely. I cool it completely and freeze it in a sealed container for up to 2 months. I thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

How do I keep the toast crispy?

I always toast the bread just before topping and avoid letting it sit too long before serving. Broiling it with cheese at the end also helps crisp it up.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, it’s a hit with kids! I sometimes make mini versions on slider buns or halved dinner rolls for smaller portions.

Conclusion

Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are a fun, easy, and seriously satisfying twist on a classic. I love the buttery crunch of the toast paired with the bold, sweet-and-savory meat and gooey cheese. It’s one of those recipes that always earns a spot in my weekly rotation—and once I make it, it’s hard not to come back to it again and again.