A Texas Toast Sloppy is a fun, hearty twist on the classic Sloppy Joe sandwich, using thick, buttery slices of Texas Toast as the bread. The result is a rich and flavorful meal with a bit of crunch from the toasted bread. Here’s a great recipe to make Texas Toast Sloppy Joes:
Ingredients:
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, if preferred)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth (adjust as needed for consistency)
For the Texas Toast:
- 8 slices of Texas Toast (thick-cut)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Texas Toast:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush both sides of each slice of Texas Toast with melted butter.
- Sprinkle with garlic powder and dried parsley (if using).
- Place the slices of Texas Toast on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bread is golden and crispy on both sides. Set aside.
2. Make the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper (if using), and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, hot sauce (if using), and smoked paprika. Mix everything together and bring to a simmer.
- Add water or beef broth a little at a time, stirring to reach your desired consistency. Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble the Texas Toast Sloppy Joes:
- Place a slice of the prepared Texas Toast on each plate. Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe filling on top of the toast.
- Top with a second slice of Texas Toast for a sandwich-style presentation. Alternatively, you can serve the filling open-faced with just one slice of toast.
4. Serve:
- Serve the Texas Toast Sloppy Joes hot with a side of crispy fries, chips, or a fresh salad.
Tips:
- Cheese Option: For an extra indulgent touch, you can add a slice of melted cheese (cheddar, American, or Swiss) on top of the filling before closing the sandwich.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of hot sauce or add diced jalapeños for more heat.
- Make it Ahead: The sloppy joe filling can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it when ready to assemble the sandwiches.
Enjoy your Texas Toast Sloppy Joes, a delicious and satisfying twist on the classic Sloppy Joe!