Sloppy Joes Texas Style

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

Olive or canola oil, as needed

½ cup water

1 cup ketchup

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 minced garlic clove or ½ teaspoon garlic powder

1 chopped red or green bell pepper

½ chopped large yellow onion (or 1 small)

1 teaspoon yellow mustard

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

12 slices American cheese

6 slices Texas Toast (see note)

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over a moderate heat.

Add a splash of oil.

Add the meat, bell pepper and onion (and garlic if using fresh).

Cook, stirring often and breaking up any large chunks of meat with a wooden spoon, until the meat is browned through.

Drain off any excess grease.

Turn the heat right down.

Now add the water, ketchup, mustard, garlic (if using powder), Worcestershire sauce, and sugar.

Stir well then cook for about 8 minutes or until the sauce is thicker.

Meanwhile, preheat the broiler.

Broil the Texas toast until golden.

Now add a piece of cheese to each slice of toast and broil for half a minute.

Spoon some of the beef mixture over each piece of toast with cheese. Add another slice of cheese on top.

Broil again until the cheese melts.

Serve hot.

Notes

Texas toast is extra thick bread and comes frozen, in plain or garlic flavors. You can use either kind here. If you can’t buy Texas Toast where you live, just slice a loaf of bread into 1-inch thick slices and use those instead.

Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh ground beef with a decent fat content for flavor. Use ripe bell peppers and onions for sweetness and color.

Seasoning: Don’t skimp on seasoning. Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You might want to add a pinch of salt and black pepper for extra flavor.

Sautéing: Take your time when sautéing the ground beef, bell peppers, and onions. Browning them properly enhances the flavor of the dish.

Draining Grease: After browning the meat, drain excess grease to avoid a greasy finished dish.

Sauce Consistency: Cook the sauce until it reaches the desired thickness. This ensures that it coats the meat mixture nicely without being too runny.

Melting Cheese: Keep an eye on the cheese under the broiler to prevent burning. You want it to melt and bubble without becoming overly browned.

Toast Texture: Toast the Texas toast until it’s golden brown and crisp. This provides a sturdy base for the meat mixture and prevents it from becoming soggy.

Customize: Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Add extra spices like chili powder or hot sauce for heat, or incorporate different types of cheese for variety.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop before assembling the Sloppy Joes.

Serve with Sides: Sloppy Joes pair well with a variety of sides such as coleslaw, potato chips, or a simple green salad. Consider serving them with your favorite accompaniments for a complete meal.

Nutrition Information:

SERVING SIZE: 1 piece

Frequently Asked Questions:

What Makes Texas-Style Sloppy Joes Different from Traditional Sloppy Joes?

Texas-style Sloppy Joes often have a bolder, slightly spicy flavor compared to the traditional version.

They may include ingredients like garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and bell peppers for added depth of flavor.

Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Ground Beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef if you prefer a leaner option. Just be mindful of adjusting the cooking time as poultry cooks faster than beef.

What Is Texas Toast, and Can I Use Regular Bread Instead?

Texas Toast is a thick-sliced bread that’s often buttered and toasted.

You can use regular bread slices if Texas Toast is unavailable, but you won’t achieve the same thickness and buttery texture.

To get closer to the Texas Toast experience, try toasting and buttering your regular bread slices.

What Are Some Common Side Dishes to Serve with Texas-Style Sloppy Joes?

Popular side dishes to complement Texas-style Sloppy Joes include coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad.

These sides offer a nice balance to the hearty and savory flavors of the sandwich.

Can I Make Texas-Style Sloppy Joes Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make the meat mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it.

Reheat it on the stovetop before serving, adding a little water if needed to reach your desired consistency.

Assemble the sandwiches with melted cheese and toasted bread just before serving to maintain their freshness and texture.