Best Texas Toast Sloppy Joes: A Hearty Twist on a Classic

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a Sloppy Joe, with its saucy meat mixture spilling over thick-cut bread. But when you swap ordinary buns for buttery Texas toast and layer in smoky turkey bacon, diced chicken ham, and a melange of aromatics, you elevate this humble sandwich into a next-level comfort food. I first riffed on this idea one evening when leftover bacon and ham begged to be used, and the results were so addictive that I’ve made these Texas Toast Sloppy Joes a regular in my weeknight lineup.

The key is building flavor in stages: crisping the turkey bacon and ham for smokiness, browning the beef to caramelized perfection, then softening onion, pepper, and garlic right in the same pan so every element contributes to the sauce. Meanwhile, slathering each slice of Texas toast with garlic–butter ensures a golden-crisp foundation that holds up to the juicy filling. Finish with melty cheddar and a few crunchy pickle slices, and you have a sandwich that’s part diner classic, part elevated barbecue.

Below, you’ll find the full ingredient list followed by the first three essential steps: preparing the Texas toast, cooking the bacon and ham, and browning the ground beef. Once that savory base is in place, you’ll be perfectly set up to sauté the veggies and simmer everything into a thick, tangy Sloppy Joe mixture.

Ingredients

For the Texas Toast

• 8 slices thick-cut Texas toast
• 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp garlic powder

For the Sloppy Joe Filling

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 2 slices turkey bacon, chopped (optional for extra smokiness)
• ½ cup (75 g) chicken ham, diced (optional)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240 ml) ketchup
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

To Garnish (Optional)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Sliced dill pickles
• Chopped fresh parsley

STEPS

1. Prep the Texas Toast
   Spread the softened butter evenly across one side of each slice of Texas toast. Sprinkle garlic powder over the buttered surface, ensuring every corner is coated. Set the slices aside—this garlic-butter layer will toast to a golden, aromatic crust that contrasts beautifully with the saucy filling.

1. Cook the Turkey Bacon & Ham
   Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped turkey bacon and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to crisp and render its smoky fat. Stir in the diced chicken ham and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until lightly browned. Transfer both to a plate and leave any rendered fat in the pan; those drippings will add depth to the beef.

1. Brown the Ground Beef
   In the same skillet (with the bacon fat), increase the heat to medium–high. Add the ground beef, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Break the meat into small pieces with a spatula and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains and you have nice caramelized bits. Drain any excess fat if needed, then push the beef to one side of the pan—this sets you up perfectly for the next step of sautéing your vegetables right alongside the meat.

Sautéing, Simmering, and Assembling Your Sloppy Joes

STEPS

4. Sauté the Veggies
   Push the browned beef to one side of the skillet and add the finely chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic directly into the rendered fat. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

4. Combine the Filling
   Return the crisped turkey bacon and ham to the pan. Stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and coats the meat evenly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
5. Toast the Texas Toast
   While the filling simmers, heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the prepared Texas toast slices butter-side down and cook 1–2 minutes per side, or until each slice is golden brown and crisp. Transfer to a plate.
6. Assemble the Sloppy Joes
   Spoon about ⅓ cup of the hot sloppy joe mixture onto the untoasted side of each slice of Texas toast. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the filling so it melts slightly. Top with a second slice of toast, garlic-butter side up.
7. Serve & Garnish
   Cut each sandwich in half on the diagonal. Garnish with sliced dill pickles and chopped parsley. Serve immediately while the toast is crisp and the filling is piping hot.

Helpful Variations and Tips

• Add Heat: Stir in a few dashes of hot sauce or swap regular ketchup for a spicy chili sauce.
• Vegetable Boost: Fold in finely diced carrots or mushrooms with the onion and pepper for extra nutrition.
• Cheese Melt: For ultra-melty topping, place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for 1–2 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning.
• Slider Version: Use mini Texas toast rounds or small brioche buns and reduce filling to 2 tablespoons per sandwich for party-size sliders.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the filling up to two days in advance, then reheat gently and assemble just before serving to preserve the toast’s crispness.

FAQs and Conclusion

Q1: Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the meat mixture through Step 5, then cool and refrigerate for up to two days. Reheat gently in a skillet, then proceed with toasting the bread and assembling the sandwiches.

Q2: My toast gets soggy—how can I prevent that?
Ensure you toast the Texas toast until it’s well-golden and crisp before adding the saucy mixture. Working in batches prevents the bread from sitting too long under steam.

Q3: How can I lighten up this recipe?
Use lean ground turkey in place of beef, skip the ham and bacon, and swap half the ketchup for crushed tomatoes. You can also opt for whole-wheat Texas toast or a lighter bun.

Q4: What other toppings work well?
Try chopped pickled jalapeños for heat, sliced avocado for creaminess, or a handful of fresh coleslaw for crunch and tang.

Q5: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store the filling in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a pan, then toast fresh bread and assemble just before serving to maintain crispness.

Conclusion

These Best Texas Toast Sloppy Joes bring bold, smoky flavors to the classic sloppy joe sandwich by layering bacon, ham, and ground beef in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce, all piled onto garlicky, buttery toast. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner, game-day snack, or casual gathering, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast. With easy make-ahead options, fun topping ideas, and the comfort of cheesy, saucy meat on crisp bread, they exemplify the kind of sandwich that satisfies every time. Give them a try, customize to your taste, and enjoy this hearty twist on a beloved favorite!

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