Texas Toast Sloppy Joe Melts

by

These Texas Toast Sloppy Joe Melts combine rich, savory beef in a tangy, sweet-and-savory sauce with golden, garlicky toast and melted cheddar cheese.

Ingredients

For the Sloppy Joe Filling

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 or 90/10)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • ½ green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¾ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Melts

  • 8 slices thick-cut Texas Toast (thick garlic bread or thick-sliced French bread)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt or garlic powder
  • 8 slices sharp Cheddar or Provolone cheese (or 1½ cups shredded cheddar)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and green bell pepper. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking the meat up with a spoon until browned and vegetables are tender. Drain any excess grease.
  2. Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the ketchup, yellow mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Simmer: Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer uncovered on low for 5 to 7 minutes until thick and glossy. Remove from heat.
  4. Prepare the Garlic Toast: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with garlic salt. Spread evenly onto one side of each slice of Texas Toast. (If using store-bought frozen Texas toast, bake according to package directions first until lightly golden).
  5. Assemble the Melts: Place 4 slices of bread butter-side down in a large skillet, griddle, or on a baking sheet. Top each slice with a slice of cheese, a generous scoop of the warm Sloppy Joe mixture, and a second slice of cheese. Top with the remaining bread slices, butter-side facing up.
  6. Toast and Melt: Cook over medium-low heat in a skillet for 3 to 4 minutes per side (or bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes), flipping carefully, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
  7. Serve: Slice diagonally and serve hot while the cheese is gooey!

Leave a Comment