Ingredients
Scale
- For the Sloppy Joe Meat:
- 1.5 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended for flavor)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion, finely chopped
- 1 Green Bell Pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup Ketchup
- 1/4 cup Water or Beef Broth
- 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar (packed, adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Yellow Mustard (or Dijon for a different tang)
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground recommended)
- Optional: 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika for depth
- Optional: Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes for heat
- For Serving:
- 8 slices Thick-Cut Texas Toast (frozen garlic toast variety works perfectly)
- Optional: Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack, or a Colby Jack blend for topping
- Optional: Butter for potentially adding more richness to the toast if using plain thick bread.
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Place a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, crumbling the meat as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease, leaving about a tablespoon in the skillet for flavor (or drain completely if preferred).
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the finely chopped yellow onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened.
- Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Create the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the ketchup, water (or beef broth), brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and optional smoked paprika or red pepper flakes.
- Simmer and Meld Flavors: Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet loosely (allowing some steam to escape) and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly. If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a splash more water or broth. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary (more salt, pepper, sugar, or chili powder).
- Prepare the Texas Toast: While the Sloppy Joe mixture is simmering, prepare your Texas Toast according to the package directions. This usually involves baking it in the oven or toaster oven until golden brown, crispy, and heated through. If using plain thick-cut bread, you can butter both sides and toast it in the oven, under the broiler (watch carefully!), or in a skillet until golden and crisp.
- Assemble and Serve: Once the toast is ready and the Sloppy Joe mixture has simmered to perfection, it’s time to assemble. Place a slice of toasted Texas Toast on each plate. Generously spoon the hot Sloppy Joe mixture over the toast.
- Add Toppings (Optional): If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the hot meat mixture. The residual heat will help melt the cheese slightly.
- Enjoy Immediately: Serve your Texas Toast Sloppy Joes hot and enjoy the messy, delicious goodness!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 450-550 calories