Texas Toast Sloppy Joes: How to Make Them Extra Juicy
Want a dinner everyone loves? Texas Toast Sloppy Joes deliver bold flavor with simple ingredients. Discover how to make them in no time.
Ingredients
- For Texas Toast Sloppy Joes Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend for optimal flavor and moisture
- 1 medium yellow onion finely diced (sweet onions work beautifully too)
- 1 bell pepper diced (red or green for color contrast)
- 3 cloves garlic minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 cup ketchup use low-sugar variety if preferred
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce adds deep, umami flavor
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar balances acidity
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard Dijon works for more sophistication
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Texas Toast:
- 8 thick slices Texas toast bread or thick-cut Italian bread
- 4 tablespoons butter softened
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter FoundationIn a small mixing bowl, combine softened butter with minced garlic, dried parsley, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is pale yellow and fragrant. This aromatic base will transform ordinary bread into restaurant-quality Texas toast. Set aside at room temperature for optimal spreading consistency.Step 2: Create the Aromatic Vegetable BaseHeat your large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add diced onion and bell pepper, stirring frequently for 3-4 minutes. The vegetables should become translucent and emit a sweet, caramelized aroma. This foundation builds the complex flavor profile that makes these Texas Toast Sloppy Joes exceptional.Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef to PerfectionAdd ground beef to the aromatic vegetables, using a wooden spoon to break apart large chunks immediately. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning. The meat should develop a rich, deep brown color with no pink remaining. Listen for the satisfying sizzle that indicates proper browning.Step 4: Build the Signature Flavor BasePush the browned meat mixture to one side of the skillet and add minced garlic to the empty space. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant and golden. Stir the garlic into the meat mixture, then add ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and chili powder. The mixture will bubble and release an irresistible aroma.Step 5: Simmer to Thick, Rich ConsistencyReduce heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes. The sauce should thicken to coat the back of your spoon while maintaining enough moisture to stay saucy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.Step 6: Craft the Perfect Texas ToastWhile your sloppy joes on texas toast mixture develops flavor, preheat oven to 400°F. Generously spread prepared garlic butter on both sides of each thick bread slice, ensuring complete coverage to the edges. Arrange slices on a rimmed baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.Step 7: Achieve Golden, Crispy PerfectionBake for 3-4 minutes per side, flipping once with a spatula. The finished Texas toast should be golden brown and crispy on the outside while maintaining a tender, buttery interior. The garlic should be fragrant but not burned.Step 8: Assemble Your MasterpiecePlace each piece of hot Texas toast on individual plates. Spoon the rich, thick sloppy joe on texas toast mixture generously over each slice, allowing some to cascade onto the plate. Serve immediately while the contrast between crispy toast and warm, savory filling is at its peak.
Notes
Complete Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 485 (24% Daily Value)
- Total Fat: 18g (28% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 8g (40% Daily Value)
- Cholesterol: 75mg (25% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 890mg (39% Daily Value)
- Total Carbohydrates: 52g (19% Daily Value)
- Dietary Fiber: 3g (11% Daily Value)
- Total Sugars: 18g
- Added Sugars: 8g (16% Daily Value)
- Protein: 28g (56% Daily Value)
- Vitamin C: 15mg (17% Daily Value)
- Iron: 4mg (22% Daily Value)