1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and green bell pepper until the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender. Drain any excess grease.
2. Stir in the minced garlic, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together and the sauce thickens slightly.
4. While the beef mixture is simmering, prepare the Texas Toast. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Rub the halved garlic over the buttered side to infuse it with garlic flavor. Toast the bread butter-side down in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown.
5. Once both the Sloppy Joe mixture and Texas Toast are ready, spoon generous amounts of the meat mixture onto one slice of toast. Top with the other slice, buttered side out.
6. Serve the Texas Toast Sloppy Joes immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Variations & Tips
– For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
– Elevate the Texas theme by adding a dash of BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
– If you enjoy a cheesy element, add a slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese on top of the meat mixture before covering with the second slice of Texas Toast.
– Leftover Sloppy Joe mixture can be frozen for quick future meals; just reheat and serve on freshly toasted Texas Toast.
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