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Ingredients You’ll Need
For these Open-Face Garlic Toast Sloppy Joes, you’ll need the following:
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or vegetarian ground meat for a lighter version)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth (to adjust the sauce consistency)
For the Garlic Toast:
- 4 slices of thick-cut bread (such as sourdough, French bread, or any bread of your choice)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Pinch of salt (for seasoning the butter)
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend for melty goodness)
- Pickles, thinly sliced (for a tangy crunch)
- Hot sauce (for a spicy kick)
How to Make Open-Face Garlic Toast Sloppy Joes
This recipe is quick and simple, yet packs in tons of flavor. Here’s how to make your own Open-Face Garlic Toast Sloppy Joes:
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Toast
- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the garlic is evenly distributed throughout the butter. You can also add fresh parsley for an extra burst of flavor and color.
- Toast the bread: Spread the garlic butter mixture generously on both sides of each slice of bread. Place the buttered slices on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 8–10 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy. You can flip them halfway through to ensure both sides are evenly toasted.
Step 2: Make the Sloppy Joe Filling
- Cook the beef: While the garlic toast is in the oven, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion and bell pepper (if using) to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add the sauce ingredients: Stir in the minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and brown sugar. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness (optional), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until the mixture is well-combined.
- Simmer the filling: Add about 1/4 cup of water or beef broth to the pan to loosen the sauce, and let everything simmer together on low heat for about 5–10 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly. If the sauce gets too thick, add a little more water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 3: Assemble the Open-Face Garlic Toast Sloppy Joes
- Place the garlic toast: Once your garlic toast is done, remove it from the oven and place the slices on a serving plate.
- Top with Sloppy Joe filling: Spoon the Sloppy Joe filling onto the center of each garlic toast slice. Be generous with the meat mixture—it’s what makes this dish so satisfying!
- Optional cheese: If you’d like to make these even more indulgent, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the filling. Return the assembled toast to the oven for a couple of minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and garnish: Once everything is assembled, you can garnish with a little extra fresh parsley for color and a dash of hot sauce or pickles for some extra tang.
Tips for Success
- Bread Choice: Choose a hearty bread like sourdough, French bread, or even ciabatta to give your garlic toast a sturdy base. It will hold up better to the saucy filling and give you a nice crunch.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to customize the Sloppy Joe filling with your favorite additions. Add finely chopped mushrooms for an extra earthy flavor, or throw in some chopped spinach for added nutrition.
- Make Ahead: If you’re planning for a party or meal prep, you can prepare the Sloppy Joe filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian alternative, substitute the ground beef with lentils, chopped mushrooms, or plant-based crumbles. You can follow the same method to create a delicious, meatless version of this dish.
Why Open-Face Garlic Toast Sloppy Joes Are a Winner
This Open-Face Garlic Toast Sloppy Joes recipe takes everything you love about the traditional Sloppy Joe and elevates it with a crispy, buttery, garlicky toast base. It’s a meal that’s not only packed with flavor but is also less messy than the typical Sloppy Joe, thanks to the open-face presentation. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight dinner or as a fun party snack, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Conclusion
If you love Sloppy Joes but are looking for something a little different, Open-Face Garlic Toast Sloppy Joes are the perfect solution. The combination of crispy garlic toast and savory, tangy meat filling makes for a fun, flavorful twist on a classic. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can have a hearty, mouthwatering meal ready in no time. Try it out, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience!
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