Name: Texas Toast Sloppy Joes with Melty Mozzarella Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; ½ cup yellow onion, finely chopped; 8 ounces tomato sauce; ½ cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon white vinegar; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 13.5 ounces Five Cheese Texas Toast, 8 slices; 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (preferably freshly shredded)

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If you’re craving a fun twist on a classic comfort food, you absolutely have to try this Texas Toast Sloppy Joes with Melty Mozzarella Recipe. There’s something about that thick, cheesy Texas toast hugging a rich, savory sloppy joe mixture that just hits the spot every single time. I love making this when I want a quick dinner that feels indulgent but is totally doable on a weeknight.

What makes this recipe special is the blend of flavors packed into the sloppy joe sauce paired with the gooey mozzarella melting on top of a toasty, buttery Texas toast. It’s a satisfying combo that’s perfect for family dinners or even casual get-togethers because everyone loves a good sloppy joe—but this one feels just a little extra thanks to the melty cheese and that hearty toast base.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a balanced sloppy joe that’s tangy, sweet, and loaded with cheese. When shopping, fresh mozzarella and a good quality Texas toast can really elevate the final dish without adding complexity.

Ground beef: I prefer 80/20 for juiciness and flavor—leaner beef can dry out the mixture.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness when sautéing onions – don’t skip it!
Yellow onion: Finely chopped onions melt right into the sauce and add subtle sweetness.
Tomato sauce: The base of the sloppy joe sauce; smooth and saucy.
Ketchup: Brings sweetness and tang to balance the spices perfectly.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth that’s the secret to that “just right” sloppy joe flavor.
White vinegar: A splash brightens the sauce and prevents it from tasting too sweet.
Yellow mustard: Provides a mild bite and color to the sauce.
Brown sugar: For a gentle caramel note that rounds out the flavors.
Garlic powder & onion powder: Enhance the savory profile evenly without overpowering.
Salt & black pepper: Simple seasonings to bring everything together.
Five Cheese Texas Toast: The star when it comes to crunch and cheesiness beneath the sloppy joe topping. Frozen works great!
Mozzarella cheese (shredded): I always shred my own from a block for the meltiest, creamiest topping.

Variations

I love playing with this base recipe depending on what I have on hand or dietary needs. Feel free to make it your own—there are so many ways to tweak the flavors or make it lighter or heartier.

Variation: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option—I’ve done this and it still tastes fantastic with the cheese and toast.
Vegetarian twist: Use lentils or finely chopped mushrooms instead of meat for a plant-based sloppy joe that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the sloppy joe sauce if you like a little heat.
Cheese swap: Try pepper jack or smoked gouda instead of mozzarella for a smoky, spicy vibe.
Seasonal veggies: Add diced bell peppers or shredded carrots with the onions to sneak in some extra crunch and nutrition.

How to Make Texas Toast Sloppy Joes with Melty Mozzarella Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef Just Right

Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until there’s no pink left—about 4 to 5 minutes. Quick tip: don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure it browns instead of steams. Once browned, use a slotted spoon to remove the beef and drain the fat. This helps keep the sloppy joes from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Sauté Onions in Butter for Sweetness

In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter and your finely chopped onions. Saute on medium heat until the onions turn translucent and soft—usually about 2 to 3 minutes. The butter mellows the onions and adds richness that complements the beef perfectly.

Step 3: Mix in the Sauce Ingredients and Simmer

Now, stir in all the sauce ingredients: tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, white vinegar, yellow mustard, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add back the cooked beef and stir everything well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 7 to 8 minutes until thickened. This simmer allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken just the right amount.

Step 4: Toast the Texas Toast

While your sauce thickens, preheat the oven to 425°F and place your frozen Five Cheese Texas Toast slices on a parchment-lined baking tray with the cheese side facing up. Bake for about 6 minutes until they’re golden and crisp around the edges. This toasty base holds up well to the sloppy joe topping without getting soggy.

Step 5: Assemble and Melt the Mozzarella

Take the hot Texas toast out of the oven and spoon a generous portion (just under ½ cup) of sloppy joe meat onto each slice. Top each toast with about ¼ cup of freshly shredded mozzarella—mounding it in the center helps it melt evenly without oozing over the edges. Pop the tray back in the oven for 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.

How to Serve Texas Toast Sloppy Joes with Melty Mozzarella Recipe

The image shows several slices of toasted bread as the base layer, golden brown with a slightly crisp texture and visible herbs. On top, there is a thick layer of dark brown minced meat sauce, rich and chunky, covering the bread evenly. The top layer is melted white cheese, scattered unevenly with a smooth and slightly glossy texture. The slices are laid on a surface with a white marbled texture and a small bunch of fresh green parsley is placed beside them. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to top mine with a few fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor. A little sliced pickled jalapeño also adds a nice tangy kick if you’re feeling adventurous. If you want some crunch, thinly sliced red onions or even some crispy fried onions on top work wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Pair these sloppy joes with classic sides like crispy oven-baked fries or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. I also love serving coleslaw alongside for that creamy crunch contrast; the acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese and beef wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun gathering, I’ve arranged these sloppy joe toasts on a large wooden board alongside little ramekins of extra cheese, pickles, and hot sauce so everyone can customize. You can also cut the toast into smaller squares for a party appetizer version—perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover sloppy joe mixture keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually store the toast and cheese separately to keep the bread from getting too soggy.

Freezing

While I haven’t frozen the assembled Texas Toast Sloppy Joes with Melty Mozzarella Recipe, the sloppy joe mixture freezes well on its own. Just thaw and reheat before assembling with fresh toast and cheese.

Reheating

I reheat the leftover sloppy joe mixture gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Then, I toast fresh Texas bread separately and melt fresh mozzarella on top in the oven or toaster oven before assembling—this keeps the toast crisp.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread instead of Texas toast?

Absolutely! While Texas toast gives you that perfect thick, buttery base that holds all the sauce and melts the cheese beautifully, you can use sturdy sandwich bread or even hoagie rolls if you prefer. Just make sure the bread is thick enough to hold the filling without getting soggy.
Why should I shred mozzarella from a block instead of using pre-shredded?

Great question! Pre-shredded cheeses often have anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting smoothly. Shredding fresh mozzarella from a block helps it melt into that perfectly gooey, stretchy texture that makes this recipe so special.
Can I make the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, the sloppy joe mixture tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had more time to meld. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently when you’re ready to assemble the Texas toast sloppy joes.
What’s the best way to melt the mozzarella without making it run everywhere?

I find that mounding the shredded cheese in the center of the sloppy joe mixture helps it melt gradually and spread just enough to cover the top without dripping off the edges. Also, baking at a high temperature for a short time helps achieve that perfect melt.

Final Thoughts

This Texas Toast Sloppy Joes with Melty Mozzarella Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort meals because it’s both quick and indulgent. I love sharing it with friends and family who always ask for seconds! I think you’ll really enjoy the balance of tangy, savory sloppy joe sauce with that irresistible layer of stretchy mozzarella on toasted, cheesy Texas toast. Give it a try—I promise it’ll satisfy those comfort food cravings with a fun twist!

Texas Toast Sloppy Joes with Melty Mozzarella Recipe