Name: Texas Toast Sloppy Joes Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; ½ cup yellow onion, finely chopped; 8 ounces tomato sauce; ½ cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon white vinegar; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 13.5 ounces Five Cheese Texas Toast, 8 slices; 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (preferably freshly shredded)

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I’m so excited to share this Texas Toast Sloppy Joes Recipe with you because it’s honestly one of those comfort food wins that feels like a warm hug on a plate. You take the classic sloppy joe flavors we all love, then elevate it by serving on thick, cheesy Texas toast that crisps up beautifully in the oven. The result? Juicy, cheesy, and insanely satisfying.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something both quick and hearty, or even for game day gatherings when you want handheld food that’s sure to impress without fuss. Plus, everything cooks up in about 30 minutes, meaning you get more time sitting down and enjoying the meal rather than stressing in the kitchen. You’re going to love how easily the flavors come together in this Texas Toast Sloppy Joes Recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Texas Toast Sloppy Joes Recipe plays an important role— from the savory ground beef to the tangy Worcestershire and the rich Five Cheese Texas Toast. Pro tip: grabbing quality tomato sauce and fresh onions will really elevate those deep, hearty flavors.

Ground beef: I like using 80/20 for juiciness and flavor—too lean and it dries out.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onions perfectly.
Yellow onion, finely chopped: Sauté until translucent for that sweet depth.
Tomato sauce: Use plain, no-added-sugar variety to control the sweetness.
Ketchup: Brings the classic sloppy joe tang and a bit of sweetness.
Worcestershire sauce: This is the secret umami booster in this recipe.
White vinegar: Adds a nice bright acidity to cut through the richness.
Yellow mustard: Gives a subtle tang that balances flavors.
Brown sugar: Just a touch to mellow the acidity and enhance flavor layers.
Garlic powder and onion powder: For that extra punch of savory goodness.
Salt and black pepper: Season well to bring everything together.
Five Cheese Texas Toast (frozen): This is the star companion—rich, buttery, and perfect for holding all the sloppy joe goodness.
Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Always shred your own cheese if you can; it melts so much better than pre-shredded.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Texas Toast Sloppy Joes Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I love trying out little twists depending on what I have on hand or what we’re craving that day.

Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken: It’s lighter but still tasty—just watch the seasoning as turkey can be milder.
Make it vegetarian: Use lentils or a plant-based crumble instead of meat, and double up on spices for that robust sloppy joe flavor.
Add a spicy kick: Toss in a dash of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños for a smoky heat I’m obsessed with.
Cheese variety: Try sharp cheddar or pepper jack instead of mozzarella for a flavor boost.
Seasonal toppings: I sometimes add pickled jalapeños or fresh chopped green onions on top for texture and freshness.

How to Make Texas Toast Sloppy Joes Recipe

Step 1: Brown Your Ground Beef Like a Pro

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook that ground beef until it’s no longer pink, about 4 to 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked beef to a plate—this helps drain the excess fat and keeps your sloppy joes from getting greasy.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Build Flavor

To the same skillet, add butter and finely chopped yellow onions. Cook them over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re soft and translucent. This step is essential—those onions become the sweet, savory base that ties the sauce and meat together beautifully.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce and Simmer

Now stir in your tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, mustard, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and the reserved cooked ground beef. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens just right. That thick, rich texture is what makes sloppy joes so crave-worthy.

Step 4: Toast the Five Cheese Texas Toast

While the sauce simmers, arrange your frozen Five Cheese Texas Toast slices on a parchment-lined baking tray, cheese side up. Pop them in a preheated 425°F oven for about 6 minutes so they get nice and crispy but not overly browned. Trust me—this step makes all the difference in texture.

Step 5: Assemble, Top, and Bake

Take the baking tray out of the oven and spoon a generous portion of the sloppy joe mixture onto each slice (about half a cup each). Then mound about ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese right in the center—the cheese will spread as it melts, covering the sloppy joe without dripping over the edges. Pop the tray back in the oven for another 3 to 4 minutes so the cheese melts perfectly and the toast finishes baking.

How to Serve Texas Toast Sloppy Joes Recipe

The image shows several small round garlic bread slices with three clear layers: the bottom layer is a golden toasted bread with bits of garlic and herbs, the middle layer is a thick, dark brown minced meat sauce spread evenly, and the top layer is melted white cheese scattered in uneven patches. The garlic bread slices sit on a light surface with a white marbled texture, and a small green parsley sprig is visible to the side. The cheese has a soft, creamy look while the meat sauce is dense and rich in texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For garnishes, I like to keep it simple yet flavor-packed. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, while a little drizzle of hot sauce brings a nice tangy heat. Sometimes, thin pickle slices or even pickled jalapeños on the side add a crunchy contrast that pairs wonderfully with the rich sloppy joe sauce.

Side Dishes

I almost always serve these sloppy joes with crispy oven-baked fries or a crunchy coleslaw to add some texture contrast. A simple green salad with a sharp vinaigrette is another favorite of mine to balance out the richness. And on game day? Chips and a fresh veggie platter never disappoint.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, I sometimes cut the Texas Toast Sloppy Joes into smaller bites and serve them on a festive platter—perfect for snacking and mingling. Another fun idea is to layer the sloppy joe mixture and cheese between two slices of Texas toast and serve as open-faced mini sandwiches with toothpick skewers to hold everything together. It’s always a hit with both kids and adults alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying this Texas Toast Sloppy Joes Recipe, I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The sloppy joe mixture stays super flavorful for up to 3 days, but the toast is best crisped fresh, so I store the sauce and toast separately whenever possible.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing just the sloppy joe meat mixture in freezer-safe bags. When I’m ready to use it, I thaw it overnight in the fridge. Freezing the toast isn’t ideal because it can get soggy, but you can always toast fresh bread and add reheated sloppy joe topping.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I warm the sloppy joe mixture gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain its juicy texture. Toast up fresh Texas toast slices in the oven and then assemble—this keeps everything tasting fresh and delicious. If you have leftover assembled sloppy joes, reheat carefully in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to melt the cheese without drying out the beef.

FAQs

Can I make this Texas Toast Sloppy Joes Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sloppy joe mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture and toast your Texas toast fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Can I use other types of bread instead of Texas toast?

Absolutely! While Texas toast is special for its thickness and buttery texture, thick slices of sourdough or rustic bread work well too. Just make sure to toast it properly so it holds up to the sloppy joe filling.
What’s the secret to a great sloppy joe flavor in this recipe?

It’s all about layering flavors—using Worcestershire sauce for umami, brown sugar for sweetness, and the vinegar and mustard for tang creates a balanced, rich sauce that’s super satisfying.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Just swap the Texas toast for your favorite gluten-free bread, and double-check your tomato sauce and other condiments for any hidden gluten ingredients.
How do I get my cheese to melt perfectly on the Texas toast?

Shred your own mozzarella from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese, which usually has anti-clumping agents that affect melting. Also, adding it on top of the warm sloppy joe mixture before a short time back in the oven helps melt it evenly without making a mess.

Final Thoughts

This Texas Toast Sloppy Joes Recipe is truly one of my go-to comfort meals that’s easy enough for any day but special enough to impress friends or family. I love how easy it is to customize and how the blend of cheesy toast and rich sloppy joe mixture hits every craving for flavor, texture, and that homey vibe. Give it a try—you won’t regret swallowing down every last bite and maybe even licking your fingers clean!