If you’ve been craving something hearty, quick, and totally satisfying, let me introduce you to one of my all-time favorite weeknight dinners—Cheesy Texas Toast Sloppy Joes. This recipe is everything you love about a classic Sloppy Joe, but with a delicious twist: instead of a sandwich bun, we’re piling that saucy, savory meat mixture on top of thick, buttery garlic Texas toast. Then—because we’re not holding back—we melt a generous layer of cheddar cheese on top.
It’s that kind of meal you throw together when you want something comforting without spending all evening in the kitchen. And let’s be honest—there’s something so satisfying about cutting into a thick piece of cheesy toast topped with smoky, sweet beef.
I first made this on a whim one night when I realized I didn’t have any hamburger buns, but I did have a box of frozen garlic toast in the freezer. Total game-changer. My kids loved it, my husband asked for seconds, and I ended up jotting the recipe down that very night because I knew it was going into regular rotation.
So if you’ve got a box of garlic toast, some ground beef, and a few pantry staples, you’re halfway to one of the easiest, most crowd-pleasing dinners ever.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 pound ground beef
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 cup ketchup
½ cup bottled barbecue sauce
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 box (8 slices) frozen garlic Texas toast
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or more to taste)
STEP 1: Brown the Beef
Start by browning your ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks so you get those nice small crumbles. Once the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink, go ahead and drain the excess grease. I usually tilt the skillet and use a spoon to scoop out the grease, but you can also transfer the meat to a paper towel-lined plate for a minute if you want to be extra thorough.
STEP 2: Add the Sauce Ingredients
Now the fun begins! Return the beef to the skillet and stir in your diced tomatoes (don’t drain them—keep all that tomato flavor), ketchup, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar. Stir it all together until it’s well combined. You’ll see the mixture start to thicken slightly and turn that signature deep reddish-brown color we all associate with Sloppy Joes.
The combination of ketchup and barbecue sauce gives it that perfect sweet and tangy balance, and the Worcestershire adds a nice umami depth that really brings the flavors together.
STEP 3: Let It Simmer
Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld together, and the sauce will continue to thicken just a bit. If you’re like me, you might sneak a few bites at this point—don’t worry, I won’t tell!
While it simmers, your kitchen is going to start smelling amazing. That smoky, garlicky, beefy aroma is the kind of thing that has everyone coming into the kitchen asking, “What are we having tonight?”
STEP 4: Toast the Garlic Bread
While your meat mixture is doing its thing, go ahead and bake the garlic Texas toast according to the package directions. Most frozen garlic toast takes about 5–7 minutes in a 425°F oven, and you want it golden and crisp around the edges but still soft in the center. That’s the magic texture that holds up perfectly to the juicy Sloppy Joe filling without getting soggy.
I usually line a baking sheet with foil (because easy cleanup is life) and pop the slices right in. If you’re feeling a little fancy, you can flip them halfway through baking for an even toast.
Cheesy Texas Toast Sloppy Joes: Assembling the Ultimate Toasted Comfort Food
Now that we’ve got our flavorful Sloppy Joe filling simmering and that buttery garlic Texas toast hot out of the oven, it’s time to bring everything together—and this is where the real magic happens. Because yes, the meat is delicious and the toast is amazing on its own, but once you pile them up and top it all off with melty cheddar cheese? Game over. This dinner is next-level good.
This part of the recipe is super simple, but there are a few little tips and tweaks that can make a big difference. Whether you want to keep it classic or add your own personal spin, I’ve got you covered.
STEP 5: Assemble the Toasts
Once your garlic toast slices are golden and crisp, lay them out on a baking sheet (you can reuse the one from earlier if you’re like me and hate doing dishes). Then take a generous spoonful—or two!—of that hot, saucy beef mixture and spoon it right over each piece.
You want to cover most of the toast, but I usually leave a little edge uncovered to help keep things neat when serving. The beef mixture is thick and hearty, so it’ll sit nicely on top without spilling over, especially if you didn’t over-toast the bread.
I like to really load mine up—you’re not going for delicate tea-party food here. This is full-on comfort food and meant to be satisfying.
STEP 6: Add the Cheese
Now for the best part: the cheese. Sprinkle shredded cheddar generously over the top of each toast. I usually use about 1 cup across all the slices, but let’s be honest—this is not the time to measure with precision. If you love cheese (and who doesn’t?), go ahead and add a bit more. You can even mix it up and throw in some Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a little extra gooey goodness.
If you want that Instagram-worthy melty top with a golden finish, place the toasts under the broiler for a minute or two. Keep a close eye on them—things can go from “perfectly melted” to “oops, burned” really fast under a broiler.
Optional Add-Ins and Swaps
This recipe is super flexible, and you can easily make it your own. Here are a few fun variations to try:
Add veggies: Stir in some finely chopped onions or bell peppers with the ground beef before adding the sauces. They’ll soften while everything simmers and add great texture and flavor.
Spice it up: Like a little kick? Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
Use different bread: No garlic toast? No problem. You can use French bread slices, ciabatta, or even hamburger buns in a pinch—though the crispy, garlicky base is really what makes this recipe shine.
Different cheeses: Swap cheddar for a blend, or go bold with pepper jack or smoked gouda.
Tips for Success
Before you serve these up, here are a few quick tips to help everything turn out just right:
Don’t skip the simmer: Letting the beef mixture simmer gives the sauce time to thicken and all the flavors to come together. It makes a big difference in the final taste.
Watch the broiler: If you choose to broil the toasts to melt the cheese, keep a close eye—broilers work fast!
Serve immediately: These are best eaten hot, fresh out of the oven when the cheese is perfectly melty and the toast is still crisp. Leftovers are still tasty, but they lose that irresistible texture.
Cheesy Texas Toast Sloppy Joes: FAQs & Final Thoughts
We’re now at the home stretch of this easy, flavor-packed dinner, and I hope by this point you’re already planning when to make these Cheesy Texas Toast Sloppy Joes. Before we wrap up, I want to cover a few of the most frequently asked questions I’ve heard from friends and readers about this recipe. These little details can make a big difference when it comes to prep, storage, and customizing the dish to fit your family’s needs.
Let’s dive in!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the meat mixture ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely. You can prepare the Sloppy Joe filling up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the mixture on the stove or in the microwave, then spoon it over freshly baked garlic toast and add the cheese as usual.
Can I freeze the leftover Sloppy Joe filling?
Definitely. Let it cool completely first, then freeze it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving. This is a great meal prep option.
What sides go well with this dish?
Because the Sloppy Joes are so rich and hearty, I usually serve them with something simple like a green salad, steamed broccoli, or even corn on the cob. Potato wedges or oven fries are also a fun, kid-friendly side.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken work just fine in this recipe. They’ll give the dish a slightly lighter flavor, but the sauce is still just as delicious. You may want to add a little extra seasoning or a splash of oil since lean meats can be drier than ground beef.
What kind of barbecue sauce should I use?
Use whatever you have on hand! A classic sweet BBQ sauce works great, but if you like things smoky or spicy, feel free to go with a bold or chipotle-flavored version. This is a great place to use your favorite brand.
How can I make this meal spicier?
To add a kick, stir in a chopped jalapeño when you’re browning the beef, or add hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce. You could also top the finished toast with pickled jalapeños or a spicy cheese like pepper jack.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and use two baking sheets for the garlic toast. It’s an easy and fun dish to serve at casual get-togethers or game day parties.
Conclusion: A Comfort Food Classic With a Twist
There’s something so satisfying about a warm, melty, messy dinner that doesn’t take hours to make—and these Cheesy Texas Toast Sloppy Joes check every box. They’re simple enough for a weeknight but fun enough to serve when company comes over. And if you’re feeding a family, you’ll love how budget-friendly and kid-approved this recipe is.
I love how the bold, smoky-sweet Sloppy Joe mixture pairs with the crispy, garlicky base of the Texas toast. And don’t even get me started on that gooey layer of cheddar on top—it’s comfort food at its finest.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Drop a comment below and let me know if you added your own twist—maybe a different cheese blend or a fun topping. This one’s easy to customize and even easier to love.
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Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
Description
This fun twist on a classic comfort food layers savory, sweet, and smoky Sloppy Joe filling over crispy garlic Texas toast, then tops it with melted cheddar cheese. It’s a quick and hearty dinner perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With just a few pantry staples and frozen garlic bread, you can serve up a meal that feels both indulgent and satisfying.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
1 cup ketchup
½ cup bottled barbecue sauce
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 box (8 slices) frozen garlic Texas toast
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or more to taste)
Instructions
Brown and crumble the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain the excess grease once the meat is fully cooked.
Return the beef to the skillet and add diced tomatoes, ketchup, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
While the filling cooks, prepare the frozen garlic Texas toast according to the package directions.
Once the toast is ready, spoon the hot Sloppy Joe mixture generously over each slice.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each and serve immediately. If desired, place the assembled toasts under the broiler for a couple of minutes to melt and slightly brown the cheese.
Notes
For an extra cheesy touch, add more cheddar or even a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella. You can also customize the filling with chopped onions or bell peppers for added texture and flavor. Broiling is optional but gives a deliciously melty, golden finish.
