Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4–6 slices Texas toast
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (optional, for extra gooeyness)
- Butter, for toasting the bread
Instructions
- Cook the Meat & Veggies
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt a little oil or butter.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce
- Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly.
- Prepare the Texas Toast
- While the meat simmers, butter both sides of the Texas toast slices.
- Toast them in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown and crispy.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes
- Spoon a generous portion of the sloppy joe mixture onto each slice of Texas toast.
- Top with a slice of cheddar cheese if desired. Let it melt slightly before serving.
- Serve & Enjoy
- Optionally, top with pickles or extra onions for crunch.
- Serve hot and watch everyone go back for seconds!
Tip: For a more indulgent version, you can broil the assembled Texas toast sloppy joes with cheese on top for 1–2 minutes until bubbly and golden.