Take your favorite comfort food to the next level with this hearty twist on a classic. Juicy, flavorful sloppy joe meat piled high on crispy, buttery Texas toast and finished with melted cheddar cheese creates the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and satisfying. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together quickly—ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
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2 lbs ground beef
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1 medium onion, diced
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1 green bell pepper, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup ketchup
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¼ cup tomato paste
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¼ cup brown sugar
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2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
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1 tablespoon yellow mustard
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1 teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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8 slices Texas toast
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef Mixture
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and green bell pepper. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks, until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened. Drain excess grease.
Step 2: Add Flavor and Simmer
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well, reduce heat to low, and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Prepare the Texas Toast
While the meat simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the Texas toast slices on a baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with garlic powder and spread it evenly on both sides of each slice.
Step 4: Toast the Bread
Bake the toast for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until both sides are golden and crisp.
Step 5: Build the Sloppy Joes
Remove the toasted bread from the oven. Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture onto each slice. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 3–4 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve
Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips for Best Results
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Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease
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Let the sauce simmer for deeper flavor
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Try pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist
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Serve open-faced or sandwich two slices together
Storage
Store leftover meat mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave and assemble fresh toast before serving.