Name: Sloppy Joes on Texas Toast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef (85-90 percent lean); 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed); 1 large yellow onion, finely diced; 1 green bell pepper, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce; ½ cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon yellow mustard; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste); ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 12 slices frozen Texas Toast (garlic or plain); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional, for extra richness); Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Ready for a weeknight dinner that checks all the comfort food boxes? Sloppy Joes on Texas Toast is absolutely dreamy, with seriously juicy, savory beef and a sweet-tangy sauce tucked into golden, buttery toast. Every bite is messy, meaty perfection.

The thick-cut Texas Toast doesn't just hold up to the hearty filling-it brings an irresistible crunch and buttery flavor that regular buns just can't touch. It's the ultimate upgrade to the nostalgic classic.

This recipe is not only crave-worthy, it's incredibly easy and budget-friendly. Perfect for busy families, casual gatherings, or anytime you want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with minimal fuss!

My family asks for these again and again-they taste just like my grandma's, with an extra punch of flavor from the toasted bread. Give them a try and see why they're sure to become a new favorite in your home, too!

Sloppy Joes piled high on golden Texas toast, garnished with parsley

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ultimate comfort food - hearty, saucy, and deeply satisfying
Foolproof for fast weeknights - ready in under an hour, all in one pan
Family- and kid-approved - picky eaters go crazy for the savory-sweet flavor
Perfect for feeding a crowd - easily doubles for parties or game day

Key Ingredients for Sloppy Joes on Texas Toast

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Ground Beef

This is the core of any good Sloppy Joe-providing juicy, meaty flavor and a hearty base for the sauce. I recommend using 85 or 90 percent lean ground beef; it's got enough fat for flavor without being too greasy. If you prefer, ground turkey or plant-based crumbles make great substitutes for a lighter or vegetarian version.

Texas Toast

Texas Toast brings that unmistakable, thick-cut, buttery richness to this dish. It crisps up beautifully under the broiler, adding the perfect crunch to balance the saucy filling. Look for pre-sliced, frozen Texas Toast in the freezer aisle, either plain or garlic-flavored. If you can't find it, thick slices of artisan bread brushed with butter are a fantastic swap.

Onion & Bell Pepper

Freshly chopped onion and green bell pepper add subtle sweetness, crunch, and depth of flavor to the sauce. Dice both as finely or coarsely as you like. Yellow or white onions work best, but red onion is fine in a pinch. No green bell pepper? Red, yellow, or even poblano peppers work well!

Tomato Sauce & Ketchup

These help form the classic Sloppy Joe sauce-sweet, tangy, and thick. Tomato sauce gives body and rich tomato flavor, while ketchup brings a little sweetness and acidity. In a jam, you can swap tomato sauce for crushed tomatoes or even marinara; just adjust seasonings to taste.

Worcestershire Sauce

This secret weapon deepens the savory notes and adds subtle umami complexity. If you don't have Worcestershire, try soy sauce in a pinch, but go easy on the salt elsewhere in the recipe.

Sloppy Joes on Texas Toast cooking process

Instructions for Sloppy Joes on Texas Toast

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (with olive oil if your beef is very lean) and crumble it as it cooks. Sauté until browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. If there's excess grease, drain it off and return the beef to the skillet.

Sauté the Veggies

Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pan with the beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until aromatic.

Make the Sauce

Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure the beef mixture is evenly coated.

Simmer for Flavor

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir every few minutes, and let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Toast the Texas Toast

While the Sloppy Joe mixture simmers, arrange the Texas Toast slices on a baking sheet. Broil or bake according to package directions, usually 4 to 6 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. For extra buttery flavor, brush the hot toast with melted butter as it comes out of the oven.

Assemble and Serve

Spoon a generous mound of the hot Sloppy Joe mixture over each slice of toasted Texas Toast. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and serve immediately with lots of napkins!

Recipe Variations

Make It Spicy

Want to add some fiery kick? Dice a jalapeño (or two) and sauté it along with the onions and peppers. A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the sauce also brings bold heat!

Veggie Delight

Transform these into vegetarian Sloppy Joes by swapping the beef for cooked lentils, canned jackfruit, or your favorite plant-based ground meat substitute. Adjust seasonings to taste-the savory sauce keeps it just as tasty.

Cheese-Lover's Upgrade

Before piling on the meat, sprinkle toasted Texas Toast with shredded cheddar or pepper jack, then broil for a minute until bubbly. The gooey cheese makes them seriously over the top!

Gluten-Free Twist

Use your favorite gluten-free thick-sliced bread (toasted and buttered) if you or your guests follow a gluten-free diet. The saucy mixture is naturally gluten-free as long as you double check your condiments.

Sweet & Smoky

Mix in a bit of BBQ sauce in place of some ketchup, or add a splash of liquid smoke for a deeper, richer flavor profile. This works especially well for summer cookout vibes!

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Sloppy Joes on Texas Toast with crisp potato chips, classic coleslaw, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. For a fun twist, scatter dill pickles or sliced jalapeños on top. Add some fresh-cut fruit or baked beans on the side to make it a feast!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover Sloppy Joe mixture (without toast) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between increments. Freeze leftovers in a sealed container for up to 2 months-just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Keep the Texas Toast separate and prepare fresh for the best crisp texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sloppy Joes on Texas Toast (FAQ)

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work just as well and make the recipe a bit lighter. Add a splash of olive oil when browning, as these meats are leaner.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes! The Sloppy Joe mixture can be made up to 2 days ahead. Reheat gently before serving over freshly toasted Texas Toast for best results.

Q: What if I can’t find Texas Toast?

A: Use thick slices of bakery bread or homemade bread brushed with butter. Toast them until golden and crisp to mimic the classic Texas Toast experience.

Q: Does this recipe freeze well?

A: The Sloppy Joe filling freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Just cool completely, freeze in an airtight container, and reheat thoroughly before serving.

There's a reason Sloppy Joes on Texas Toast are a weeknight staple in our house-they're delicious, comforting, and always a hit! If you try this recipe, be sure to leave a rating and let me know how it turned out in the comments. I love hearing how you make it your own!