Sink your teeth into the bold, satisfying flavor of these Open Face Garlic Toast Sloppy Joes. Think of this recipe as your weeknight rescue meal, blending the juicy, savory goodness of classic sloppy joes with the buttery crunch of garlic toast. It’s quick, comforting, and just messy enough to feel like a treat.

Each bite starts with crispy Texas toast, golden and garlicky, topped with a rich, seasoned ground beef mixture simmered in tomato and Worcestershire sauce. Melted mozzarella blankets the top, adding that gooey finish we all crave. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for a cozy solo dinner, this recipe delivers every time.

What Kind of Bread Works Best for Open Face Garlic Toast Sloppy Joes?

Thick slices of Texas toast are ideal. They hold up under the hearty meat and melted cheese without getting soggy. Look for pre-sliced garlic toast in the freezer section, or toast your own bread with butter and garlic powder for that perfect base.

Ingredients for the Open Face Garlic Toast Sloppy Joes

Ground Beef: The base of the sloppy joe mixture. Opt for 80/20 for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.

Onion & Garlic: These aromatics build depth into the meat sauce.

Tomato Paste & Ketchup: Adds rich tomato flavor and slight sweetness to balance the savoriness.

Worcestershire Sauce: A must for that signature umami zing.

Brown Sugar: Just a pinch helps round out the acidity and bring a caramelized note.

Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning.

Garlic Texas Toast: The crunchy, buttery base. Use frozen garlic toast or make your own.

Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully over the hot meat mixture.

Chopped Parsley (optional): For a fresh pop of color and herby finish.

How To Make the Open Face Garlic Toast Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Toast the Garlic Bread

Preheat your oven according to the instructions on your garlic Texas toast package. Lay out the slices on a baking sheet and bake until golden and crispy. This will give you that sturdy, buttery base.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add the Aromatics

Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Stir in tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and flavorful.

Step 5: Assemble the Sloppy Joes

Spoon a generous portion of the sloppy joe mixture onto each slice of toasted garlic bread.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Top each loaded toast with a slice or handful of shredded mozzarella cheese. Pop them back into the oven for 3-5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley on top if desired, and serve hot. Grab a fork and knife—it’s about to get deliciously messy.

How to Serve and Store These Sloppy Joes

Serve these open face sloppy joes fresh from the oven while the cheese is still melty. They pair beautifully with a side salad, crispy fries, or roasted vegetables. Perfect for weeknights, game day spreads, or casual dinners.

For storing leftovers, keep the meat mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Toast fresh garlic bread and assemble just before serving for the best texture.

If you want to freeze the beef mixture, let it cool completely and freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make these sloppy joes less messy?

Use a fork and knife instead of trying to pick them up. Toasting the bread until it’s really firm also helps hold the meat better.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well, though the flavor will be slightly lighter. Add an extra splash of Worcestershire for more depth.

Is there a cheese substitute for mozzarella?

Yes, provolone or cheddar are great alternatives. Provolone gives a sharpness while cheddar adds a bold punch.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

You can make the meat mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge, then reheat and assemble when ready to serve.

What sides go well with this?

Try coleslaw, pickles, oven-baked fries, or even a simple cucumber salad. You want something light to balance the richness.

Are these kid-friendly?

Very! Kids love the cheesy, saucy mix. You can tone down the seasonings slightly if needed.

Want More Savory Weeknight Recipes?

If these open face garlic toast sloppy joes hit the spot, you’ll love diving into more crave-worthy comfort foods like:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime: Life with Jam on Pinterest

I’d love to hear how your version turned out! Did you go spicy or keep it classic? Try a different cheese topping? Share your tweaks and tips in the comments—let’s inspire each other!

Open Face Garlic Toast Sloppy Joes

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

These Open Face Garlic Toast Sloppy Joes are everything you love about a classic sloppy joe—savory, rich, comforting—piled high on buttery garlic toast and smothered with melty mozzarella. It’s the perfect easy dinner when you’re craving something hearty and fast.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven and bake garlic toast according to package instructions until golden and crispy. Set aside.

2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.

3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes until onions are soft and translucent.

4. Stir in tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer mixture for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

5. Spoon the beef mixture generously over each slice of garlic toast.

6. Top each with shredded mozzarella cheese. Place under the broiler or back in the oven for 3–5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.