Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the frozen garlic bread box. Arrange the garlic toast slices on a large baking sheet and bake them until they are just beginning to turn golden. You want them mostly cooked but still slightly soft in the center because they will return to the oven later with the toppings.
- In a large skillet over medium high heat, add your ground beef and diced onions. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart into small crumbles. As it cooks, the fat will render and the onions will become translucent and sweet. Once the beef is no longer pink, drain away the excess fat.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 60 seconds until the scent fills your kitchen. Be careful not to burn it, as bitter garlic can overwhelm the sloppy joe meat.
- Lower the heat to medium. Add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, and paprika. Stir until everything is well incorporated. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 to 10 minutes. Sensory check: the sauce should be glossy and thick enough to hold its shape on a spoon. If it is too dry, add a splash of water or tomato sauce.
- Remove the par-baked Texas toast from the oven. Spoon a generous portion of the meat mixture onto each slice. Don't be afraid to pile it high, as any overflow just adds to the charm of sloppy joes on Texas toast.
- Sprinkle a thick layer of mozzarella cheese or your preferred shredded cheese over the meat. Return the tray to the oven and bake for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and has golden brown spots.
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few jalapeños if you want spicy sloppy joes. Serve immediately while the bread is at its peak crispness.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, use plant-based crumbles. To make ahead, prepare the sloppy joe mixture in a slow cooker on low for 4 hours before assembling on the toast.
