Cheesy Sloppy Joe Toast is a quick, satisfying twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich. Instead of serving it on a bun, I pile the rich, saucy meat mixture onto toasted bread and melt a layer of gooey cheese over the top. It’s crispy, cheesy, and saucy in all the right ways—perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy this recipe is to throw together, especially when I’m craving comfort food without a ton of prep. Toasting the bread gives it a crisp base that holds the sloppy joe filling better than a soft bun, and the cheese on top adds the perfect creamy contrast. It’s a crowd-pleaser that I can make in under 30 minutes, and it’s great for using pantry staples and leftover ground meat.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Ground beef (or ground turkey)
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Onion, finely chopped
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Garlic, minced
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Tomato paste
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Ketchup
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Worcestershire sauce
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Yellow mustard
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Brown sugar
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Salt and pepper
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Thick-sliced bread (like sourdough or Texas toast)
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Shredded cheddar cheese (or any melty cheese)
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Olive oil or butter (for toasting the bread)
Directions
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I heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned. I drain any excess fat, then add onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
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I stir in tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. I simmer the mixture for 5–7 minutes until it thickens.
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While the meat cooks, I toast the bread slices in a pan with a little butter or olive oil, or under the broiler until golden.
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I place the toasted bread on a baking sheet, spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously on top of each slice, and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
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I broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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I serve the toasts hot, with a fork and knife if things get extra sloppy.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 to 6 slices, depending on how thickly I load the toast. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, so everything’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Variations
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I switch the meat to ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
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For extra heat, I add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
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I’ve used mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses for different flavors.
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Sometimes I top the finished toasts with sliced pickles, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of ranch.
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I use garlic bread as the base for an ultra-savory version.
storage/reheating
I store leftover meat mixture in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. I reheat it on the stovetop or microwave, then assemble fresh toasts when I’m ready to eat. I don’t recommend storing assembled toasts—they get soggy—so I keep the components separate.
FAQs
Can I use leftover sloppy joe meat?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for leftovers. I just reheat the meat and assemble it fresh on toasted bread with cheese.
What’s the best bread to use?
I like thick, sturdy slices like sourdough, Texas toast, or French bread so they hold up under the weight of the toppings.
Can I make these in advance?
I prep the meat mixture ahead of time, then toast and broil the toasts right before serving for the best texture.
What cheese melts best?
Cheddar is classic, but I also love Monterey Jack, provolone, or a cheddar-mozzarella blend for that perfect melt.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
The meat mixture freezes well. I cool it completely, freeze in a sealed container, and thaw in the fridge before reheating. I make the toasts fresh after thawing.
Conclusion
Cheesy Sloppy Joe Toast is one of those comfort food recipes I keep in my back pocket for when I want something easy, filling, and totally satisfying. It’s saucy, cheesy, and perfectly crispy around the edges—everything I love about a classic sloppy joe with an even better crunch. Whether I’m feeding the family or fixing a fast solo dinner, this recipe always hits the spot.
