Pin it
Cheesy Sloppy Joe Toast is the kind of easy comfort food that makes any casual get together a hit. Thick garlic bread slices are piled high with saucy beef then crowned with plenty of melty cheddar for a crowd-pleasing snack or simple dinner. This one disappears fast every time I serve it at family movie night and my kids always ask if I am making extra.
I started making these when I needed a low fuss way to stretch leftovers into something fun Back then I had no idea how much my friends would look forward to my Cheesy Sloppy Joe Toast tradition
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Savory and hearty Look for lean beef for less grease and the best texture
- Yellow onion: Adds a mellow sweetness Finely dice for even cooking and flavor release
- Tomato sauce: Brings moisture and tang Choose plain tomato sauce so the spices stand out
- Prepared mustard: Sharpens the sauce Yellow mustard works but Dijon gives extra zip
- Brown sugar: Rounds out acidity and adds subtle sweetness Pack it to measure for the best results
- Worcestershire sauce: Deep umami flavor Check for one with natural ingredients
- Onion powder: Concentrates savoriness and layers in extra onion notes
- Garlic powder: Creates depth Check that your powder is fresh for the fullest punch
- Ketchup: Boosts tomato richness and mild sweetness Squeeze bottle or classic glass both are great
- Frozen garlic toast: Slices are quick and sturdy Perfect texture to hold all that delicious topping
- Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and adds sharp creaminess Shred from a block for the best melt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Onions:
- Place a skillet on medium-high heat and add the ground beef along with the diced onions Let the mixture cook stirring often until the beef is fully browned and the onions turn soft and fragrant Skim off any excess grease from the pan to avoid soggy toast
- Build the Sloppy Joe Sauce:
- Add the tomato sauce ketchup prepared mustard Worcestershire sauce brown sugar onion powder and garlic powder Straightaway stir until everything blends smoothly Lower the heat and let the mixture bubble gently for about five minutes This gives time for the flavors to blend and creates a thick juicy base
- Assemble and Bake:
- Set the frozen garlic toast slices in one layer on a baking sheet With a big spoon divide the sloppy joe mixture over each piece Top each generously with shredded cheddar cheese Pop into a preheated 204 degree Celsius oven for ten to fifteen minutes until the bread is toasted through and the cheese is bubbling melted
Pin it
Melty cheddar is my favorite part and I always sneak a few shreds to eat while the tray bakes Once my little nephew helped sprinkle cheese and still talks about his masterpiece when I serve these
Storage Tips
Leftover Cheesy Sloppy Joe Toast will keep in the refrigerator up to three days Reheat slices in a toaster oven or standard oven until the cheese is bubbling again Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the bread crispy For longer storage freeze the cooled toasts in a single layer then wrap well When ready to eat bake straight from frozen
Ingredient Substitutions
Try ground turkey or plant based crumbles if you want a lighter or vegetarian version Swiss or Monterey Jack cheese work well if cheddar is not handy If you are out of frozen garlic toast sturdy sliced baguette brushed with a little butter and garlic powder is a perfect swap
Serving Suggestions
Serve these toasts with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies for dinner For parties or game day set out a tray with tangy pickles and sliced jalapenos These also make a great after school snack for hungry kids on busy afternoons
Cultural and Historical Context
Sloppy Joes are a classic American sandwich known for their sweet tangy filling piled on a soft bun Turning them into toasts is my playful way to add crunch and serve as easy finger food Kind of like a mashup of open faced sandwich and garlic bread crowd pleaser
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use fresh bread instead of frozen garlic toast?
Yes, you can use fresh bread slices. Simply butter the bread and lightly sprinkle with garlic powder for a similar flavor profile before toasting.
- → What type of beef works best for this dish?
Ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best as it provides enough flavor and moisture without becoming overly greasy.
- → Can I substitute cheddar cheese with another variety?
Absolutely! Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked cheese for a twist on the classic flavor.
- → How can I make this meal spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, crushed red chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for extra heat.
- → Is there a vegetarian alternative to ground beef?
Yes, you can use plant-based ground meat alternatives or cooked lentils as a substitute for ground beef.