Texas toast is more than just a side dish—it’s the star of the meal. With its thick slices and buttery, golden crust, this bread is perfect for soaking up flavors. Whether you’re serving it with hearty chili, topping it with savory ingredients for an open-faced sandwich, or using it to elevate a classic grilled cheese, Texas toast adds a touch of Southern comfort to any dinner. Get ready to explore a world of delicious possibilities with these ultimate Texas toast dinner recipes.
Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the diced red onion and green bell pepper. Sauté with a pinch of salt and pepper for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces as it browns. If necessary, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar with the beef. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, mixing everything well. Allow the mixture to simmer for roughly 10 minutes.
- While the meat mixture is simmering, preheat the oven to 425°F and toast the Texas toast for 6-8 minutes until it is lightly browned.
- Use the back of a spoon to press down the center of each toasted slice. Fill the indented area of each slice evenly with the sloppy Joe mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each filled piece of Texas toast. Return them to the oven for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
- Let the Texas toast sloppy Joes cool slightly before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped parsley for garnish before enjoying.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of Texas toast
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small red onion, diced (can substitute with white or yellow onion)
- 1/2 to 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Cheddar cheese, shredded (amount to preference)
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef for Texas Toast Sloppy Joes?
- Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef in this recipe.
- What kind of cheese works best for Texas Toast Sloppy Joes?
- You can use any cheese you prefer, but it’s best to shred it yourself for better melting. Cheddar is a popular choice, but spicy varieties like pepper jack can add a kick.
- Is it possible to adjust the spiciness of the dish?
- Absolutely. Adding red pepper flakes to the ground beef while cooking or using a spicy cheese can increase the heat level of the dish.
- Can I use a different type of bread instead of Texas toast?
- Yes, if you prefer not to use Texas toast, you can serve the sloppy Joes on any bread or roll that you like.
- How do you prepare the Texas toast before adding the sloppy Joe mixture?
- Bake the Texas toast in the oven until it is lightly toasted. Then, using the back of a spoon, press down the center of each slice to create a well for the filling.
Tips
- Cheese Tip: Always shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded varieties. It will melt more smoothly and enhance the overall texture of your Texas toast sloppy Joes.
- Meat Variation: If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. This substitution can also provide a different flavor profile.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or opt for a spicy cheese like pepper jack to give your sloppy Joes a kick of heat. This can add an exciting twist to the traditional flavor.
- Bread Flexibility: While Texas toast adds a unique touch, you can use any bread or roll that you prefer or have on hand, making this recipe versatile and adaptable to your pantry ingredients.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – If you don’t already have a suitable large skillet for browning the beef and sautéing vegetables, you might consider purchasing one.
- Baking Sheet – To bake the Texas toast in the oven.
- Cheese Grater – For shredding cheddar cheese if you don’t have one at home.
- Oven Thermometer – To ensure your oven is at the correct temperature, especially if you bake frequently and want accuracy.
- Cooking Spoon – For pushing down the center of Texas toast and stirring the ingredients together.
