This recipe transforms the humble sloppy joe into something extra hearty and crave-worthy. By swapping the usual bun for thick, buttery Texas Toast, you get a perfect base that’s crispy on the outside and soft inside. Pile on the savory beef filling, melt a little cheddar on top, and you’ve got a weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
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1 lb lean ground beef
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2 ½ cups onion, chopped
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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¾ cup ketchup
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2 teaspoons tomato paste
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½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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2 ½ teaspoons brown sugar
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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4 slices Texas Toast (or thick white bread)
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1 ounce Cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat Oven & Cook the Beef
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and chopped onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
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Once beef is fully cooked, drain excess grease.
Step 2 – Make the Sloppy Joe Mixture
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Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Simmer over medium heat until the mixture thickens to your liking (about 5–7 minutes).
Step 3 – Bake the Texas Toast
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While the beef mixture is simmering, place Texas Toast slices on a baking sheet.
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Bake for 5–6 minutes, until golden and slightly crisp.
Step 4 – Assemble & Finish
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Remove toast from oven. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture evenly over each slice.
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Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese on top (about ¼ ounce per slice).
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Return to oven for 1–2 minutes, until cheese melts.
Tips & Variations
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Extra cheesy: Add a slice of provolone or American cheese under the beef for double layers.
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Spicy kick: Stir in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
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Make it a meal: Serve with a simple side salad, coleslaw, or sweet potato fries.
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Family-style: Bake 8–10 slices at once for a party-friendly tray version.