Open-Faced Cheesy Sloppy Joes
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.
When it comes to easy weeknight dinners, nothing beats the comforting, messy goodness of a sloppy joe. But this time, I’m serving it up with a twist: open-faced on Texas Toast and piled high with rich, saucy flavor. These open-faced cheesy sloppy joes are a fun and effortless way to enjoy a classic favorite—with even more savory goodness in every bite. Perfect for busy evenings or casual family dinners, this recipe will quickly become a go-to meal that everyone loves!
Each slice of Texas toast is generously spread with butter and then broiled in the oven until golden and crisp on the top side. This toasted surface becomes the perfect base for the sloppy joe mixture, providing a sturdy layer that prevents the bread from soaking up too much of the saucy filling. Meanwhile, the underside of the bread stays soft and tender, offering a satisfying contrast in texture.
Once each slice is topped with the rich, saucy sloppy joe mixture, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese is added on top. A quick broil melts the cheese until it’s gooey and bubbling, creating an irresistible, savory finish. These open-faced sloppy joes are ready to serve as soon as that cheese is perfectly melted, delivering a warm, hearty meal with each bite!
Ingredients to Make Open-Faced Cheesy Sloppy Joes
- GROUND BEEF
- ONION
- GREEN OR RED BELL PEPPER
- GARLIC
- KETCHUP
- TOMATO SAUCE
- BROWN SUGAR
- WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE
- YELLOW MUSTARD
- CHILI POWDER
- PAPRIKA
- SALT AND PEPPER
- TEXAS TOAST OR OTHER THICK-CUT BREAD
- BUTTER
- SHARP CHEDDAR CHEESE
- DRIED PARSLEY, OPTIONAL FOR GARNISH
How to Make Open-Faced Cheesy Sloppy Joes
Start by browning the ground beef along with the chopped onion and bell pepper in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the meat is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. Drain any excess grease from the skillet, then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
Next, stir in the ketchup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and bring the sauce to a simmer. Allow the mixture to cook for 5-7 minutes, letting the flavors meld together and the sauce thicken slightly.
While the meat is simmering, prepare the Texas toast. Spread butter on one side of each of the 8 slices and place them on a baking sheet. Broil in the oven until the tops are golden and crispy, keeping an eye on them to avoid burning.
Once the meat mixture is ready, spoon an even portion over each slice of toasted Texas bread. Top each slice with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, and if desired, a light dusting of dried parsley for garnish. Broil for a minute or two, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot, and enjoy this comfort food with it’s perfect combination of crisp, melty, and savory goodness!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of bread instead of Texas toast?
Yes, you can! Any thick-sliced bread that holds up well under the sloppy joe filling, such as sourdough, French bread, or brioche, works great. Just make sure to toast it until crispy to avoid sogginess.
Can I make the sloppy joe mixture in advance?
Absolutely. You can prepare the sloppy joe mixture up to two days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop before serving.
What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
Cheddar is a popular choice for its meltiness and sharp flavor, but feel free to use Monterey Jack, mozzarella cheese, or even a blend for extra flavor.
Can I add extra vegetables to the sloppy joe mixture?
Yes, you can easily customize this recipe by adding finely chopped carrots, celery, or even mushrooms to the meat mixture. Just cook them along with the onions and peppers.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Yes! You can add a dash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or chopped jalapeños to the sloppy joe mixture to give it a kick. Adjust the spice level to your taste preference.
Can I freeze the sloppy joe mixture?
Yes, the sloppy joe mixture freezes well. Just cool it completely, transfer it to an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop when ready to use.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Italian Sloppy Joe Sub Sandwiches
- Sloppy Joe Cornbread Skillet
- Sloppy Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta
Open-Faced Cheesy Sloppy Joes
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ onion diced
- ½ green or red pepper diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup ketchup
- 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp yellow mustard
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
- 8 slices Texas toast or other thick-cut bread
- butter for toasting the bread
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese grated
- dried parsley optional for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef along with the onion and pepper over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add in the ketchup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir together and allow to simmer for about 5-7 minutes,
- Prepare the toast while the meat mixture is simmering. Spread butter on 8 slices of Texas toast and place on a baking sheet. Broil in the oven until golden brown and crispy.
- Once the meature is ready, divide mixture and top each slice of bread.
- Sprinkle each with a layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle lightly with dried parsley if desired. Broil for a minute or two until the cheese melts. Serves 8.
Nutrition
Recipe adapted from Reluctant Entertainer.
