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Cheesy Texas Toast Sloppy Joes finished recipe

Cheesy Texas Toast Sloppy Joes

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 open-faced sandwiches servings

Ingredients
  

For the Sloppy Joe Filling
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion about 5 ounces (140 g), finely diced
  • 1/2 medium green bell pepper about 2 1/2 ounces (70 g), seeded and finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon packed (13 g) light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
For Assembly
  • 8 slices frozen garlic Texas toast about 13 ounces (370 g)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Method
 

Method
  1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This preparation ensures that the toast will bake evenly and makes for easier cleanup later.
  2. Begin Browning the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles. Continue until no pink remains and the beef reaches 160°F (71°C). Properly browning the beef enhances the flavor and texture of the filling.
  3. Remove Excess Grease: If more than a thin coating of fat remains in the skillet, carefully spoon it out. Leaving too much grease can make the sloppy joe filling separate and soften the toast, which is not desirable for this recipe.
  4. Cook the Vegetables: Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the beef. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the pepper begins to soften. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This step adds depth of flavor to the filling.
  5. Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the sauce is uniform and no streaks of mustard remain. This combination creates a balanced and flavorful filling.
  6. Simmer the Filling: Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The filling should be thick, glossy, and able to hold its shape briefly when pushed across the skillet. If it still looks watery, simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes. Achieving the right consistency is crucial to prevent soggy toast.
  7. Bake the Texas Toast: While the filling simmers, arrange the frozen Texas toast in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 4 to 5 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly crisp but the tops are not deeply browned. This initial baking helps maintain the toast's structure.
  8. Turn and Assemble: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Turn each piece of toast over so the less-crisp side faces up. Spoon approximately 1/3 cup of sloppy joe filling onto each slice, spreading it close to the edges without pressing it into the bread. This method helps keep the toast from becoming soggy.
  9. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the eight sandwiches. Keep most of the cheese over the filling so it does not melt directly onto the pan. This ensures that the cheese melts perfectly over the filling.
  10. Finish Baking: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 4 to 6 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling lightly around the edges. The toast should be deep golden underneath but not dark brown. This final baking step melds the flavors together.
  11. Rest and Garnish: Let the sandwiches stand on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes the toast easier to lift without losing the filling. Garnish with chopped parsley, if using, for a fresh touch.
  12. Serve: Serve the Texas Toast Sloppy Joes warm: Use a fork and knife for less mess, or let them cool for another few minutes before picking them up. Enjoying them warm enhances the overall experience.

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