Cheesy Sloppy Joes on Texas Toast
This hearty take on a weeknight favorite brings together rich, seasoned ground beef and melty cheese piled high on thick slices of toasted Texas bread. The combination of savory flavors and satisfying textures makes this dish a reliable go-to for family meals or casual gatherings.
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound of lean ground beef
- ½ of a medium-sized onion minced finely
- ½ of a green bell pepper diced small
- 2 cloves of garlic crushed or finely minced
- ¼ cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon of kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup of ketchup
- 2 tablespoons of concentrated tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of packed brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika optional, for depth
- 8 slices of frozen Texas toast garlic or plain variety
- 1 to 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella or sharp cheddar cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley for topping optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven and toast the Texas bread according to the instructions on the package, baking each side until lightly crisped and golden, roughly 5 to 6 minutes per side. Set aside once ready.
- Warm the olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and diced green bell pepper. Cook, stirring often and breaking apart the meat, for 5 to 7 minutes or until the beef is browned and the vegetables have softened.
- Incorporate the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, ketchup, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika into the skillet. Pour in the water and stir thoroughly to blend the ingredients.
- Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer without a lid for about 5 to 8 minutes, or until the sloppy joe filling reaches a slightly thickened consistency. Adjust seasonings to your preference if necessary.
- Arrange the toasted Texas slices on a baking sheet. Spoon a hearty portion of the sloppy joe mixture onto each slice, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of the shredded cheese over the top of each prepared toast.
- Transfer the tray to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and, if desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving warm.
Notes
Use garlic-flavored Texas toast for added flavor, or opt for plain if you prefer a milder base. Adjust cheese quantity to taste.