If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, the Cheesy Sloppy Joe Toast Recipe is your next must-try. Imagine crispy, garlicky toast layered with savory, smoky sloppy joe meat and crowned with a gooey blanket of melted cheese. It’s a playful twist on classic sloppy joes that turns a humble sandwich into a cheesy, irresistible open-face masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this dish effortlessly combines bold flavors with satisfying textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the goodness of this recipe comes from a handful of simple, yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from adding deep savory notes to creating that perfect crispy-cheesy finish that makes this dish truly unforgettable.
- Ground beef: The hearty base of the sloppy joe topping, providing rich flavor and satisfying texture.
- Sloppy joe sauce: Canned sauce is your secret weapon for a smoky, tangy barbecue bite—Del Monte is perfect for that authentic taste.
- Texas Toast garlic bread with cheese: Thick, buttery, and garlicky bread with cheese baked in, it forms the crispy foundation and adds extra flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella or sliced provolone: Melts beautifully on top to ensure mouthwatering cheesiness and that irresistible stretch.
- Liquid smoke (optional): Just a dash elevates the smoky richness, making the flavors pop even more.
How to Make Cheesy Sloppy Joe Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
Start by browning two pounds of ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until perfectly cooked through. Make sure to drain off any excess fat so your sloppy joes don’t get greasy. Stir in two cans of your favorite sloppy joe sauce and let everything simmer for about ten minutes, stirring occasionally to meld those smoky, tangy flavors. If you want an extra layer of smoky goodness, a small splash of liquid smoke can work wonders here.
Step 2: Toast the Garlic Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While your meat simmers, arrange the Texas Toast garlic bread on a cookie sheet. Pop it in the oven for five minutes to start getting that outer crunch going—this step ensures the bread holds up beautifully under all that saucy beef.
Step 3: Assemble the Toasts
Once your garlic toast is lightly toasted and golden, take it out of the oven. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture evenly over each piece of bread, making sure to get a generous portion to capture every bite of flavor. Then, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or carefully lay sliced provolone over the saucy beef. This cheesy layer is what really takes this dish over the top.
Step 4: Bake Until Melty and Perfect
Return your assembled toasts to the oven for an additional seven minutes, or until the cheese has melted into a bubbling, golden crown. This final bake brings everything together—crispy bread, saucy meat, and gooey cheese in perfect harmony.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, give the toasts a minute or two to cool slightly—it helps the cheese set just enough so it won’t slide right off but stays delightfully gooey. Now you’re ready to dig in and savor every delicious bite!
How to Serve Cheesy Sloppy Joe Toast Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions adds a lovely color contrast and bursts of freshness that cut through the richness. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can add a nice tang or heat to balance the savory flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This hearty toast pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or simple coleslaw that provides a refreshing crunch. For something warm, roasted vegetables or baked sweet potato fries are fantastic options that complement the smoky, cheesy vibe of the toasts.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Cheesy Sloppy Joe Toast Recipe even more fun by serving it as a party platter where guests can build their own bites, adding cheese and toppings as they please. Or, cut the toasts into smaller squares for an irresistible appetizer spread. You can also switch up the cheese or add jalapeños for a spicy twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which may be tricky), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the toast from getting soggy, it’s best to store the sloppy joe topping and toasted bread separately if possible, then reassemble before reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze the sloppy joe meat mixture on its own for up to three months in a sealed container. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and prepare the toasts fresh for the best texture and flavor. Avoid freezing the assembled toast as the bread and cheese will suffer.
Reheating
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you stored the components separately, spoon the meat mixture onto fresh or previously toasted garlic bread, sprinkle with cheese, and heat until bubbly and warm. If reheating assembled toasts, cover them loosely with foil to prevent drying and heat for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Texas Toast garlic bread adds extra flavor and texture, you can use any sturdy bread like sourdough or ciabatta. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold the sloppy joe topping without getting soggy too quickly.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Cheesy Sloppy Joe Toast Recipe?
Yes! You can swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils. Using the same sloppy joe sauce and cheese will keep the essence of the dish intact while catering to vegetarian diets.
What type of cheese works best for melting on this toast?
Mozzarella and provolone are excellent choices because they melt smoothly and have a mild flavor that complements the sloppy joe sauce. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend can work too, depending on how sharp or creamy you like your cheese.
Can I make the sloppy joe sauce from scratch?
You certainly can if you prefer homemade flavors. A simple mix of tomato sauce, vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and spices can replicate the canned sloppy joe sauce well. Just simmer until thick and rich before adding to the beef.
How spicy is this Cheesy Sloppy Joe Toast Recipe?
This recipe is typically mild, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or spicy cheese varieties. It’s flexible depending on your family’s spice tolerance.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and joyful about sinking your teeth into a warm, cheesy slice of this Cheesy Sloppy Joe Toast Recipe. It’s a brilliant mashup of classic flavors and easy prep that’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So next time you want a crowd-pleaser that’s both nostalgic and fresh, give this recipe a shot—you won’t regret it!
Print
Cheesy Sloppy Joe Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and hearty Cheesy Sloppy Joe Toast recipe that combines savory ground beef simmered in smoky BBQ sloppy joe sauce, served atop crispy Texas Toast garlic bread and topped with melted mozzarella or provolone cheese. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal in about 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 2 lbs ground beef, cooked and drained
- 2 cans sloppy joe sauce (Del Monte recommended for smoky BBQ flavor)
- Liquid smoke (optional, for extra smokiness)
Toast
- 2 boxes Texas Toast garlic bread with cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese or sliced provolone (enough to top each slice)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the sloppy joe sauce and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add liquid smoke if desired for extra smokiness.
- Prepare the Garlic Toast: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange garlic toast on a cookie sheet and bake for 5 minutes until slightly crispy and warmed through.
- Assemble the Dish: Remove the toast from the oven. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture evenly over each garlic toast slice. Top with shredded mozzarella or sliced provolone cheese.
- Bake: Return the assembled toast to the oven and bake for an additional 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving to allow the cheese to set and flavors to meld.
Notes
- Use liquid smoke sparingly to avoid overpowering the meat mixture.
- Choose a good-quality sloppy joe sauce for richer flavor.
- You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or any other melting cheese you prefer.
- Drain excess fat carefully to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Serve with a side of pickles or coleslaw for a complete meal.
