👉Smokey Sloppy Joe – Recipes on a Budget

Description:

If you’re craving a hearty, smoky, and cheesy sandwich with a twist, this Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone recipe is the perfect option. Combining the savory, tender ground beef with the smokiness of BBQ-flavored sloppy joe sauce and topped with melty provolone or mozzarella, it’s an irresistible fusion of flavors. Baked on a crispy, cheesy Texas Toast, this dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, game day snack, or casual party treat. The blend of textures—crunchy toast, juicy meat, and gooey cheese—make every bite satisfying.

Ingredients:

2 lbs ground beef (cooked and drained)
2 cans of sloppy joe sauce (Del Monte’s Smokey BBQ flavor is recommended, or you can add a few drops of liquid smoke to any standard sauce)
2 boxes of Texas Toast garlic bread with cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese or sliced provolone cheese
Optional: 2 slices of garlic keto toast (for a low-carb version)

Cooking & Preparation Time:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Cook the Ground Beef: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Once cooked through, drain any excess grease.
Add the Sloppy Joe Sauce: Stir in the sloppy joe sauce (Del Monte’s Smokey BBQ or your choice of sauce with a touch of liquid smoke) into the cooked beef. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld.
Prepare the Texas Toast: Place the garlic Texas Toast on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes in the preheated oven.
Assemble: Once the toast is golden and slightly crisp, remove it from the oven. Spoon the savory ground beef and sloppy joe mixture on top of each slice of toast. Then, add a generous layer of shredded mozzarella or place slices of provolone on top of the beef.
Bake Again: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions.

Variations:

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian or vegan twist.
Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sloppy joe sauce for some heat.
Cheese Varieties: Use a combination of provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack cheese to customize the flavor.
Low-Carb Option: Serve the sloppy joe mixture on keto garlic bread or lettuce wraps instead of Texas Toast.

Serving Tips:

Pair with a side of crispy fries or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.
For a more decadent version, add a fried egg on top before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
Serve with pickles or coleslaw on the side for added crunch and tang.
This dish pairs wonderfully with an ice-cold beer or a fizzy soda.

20 Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe with turkey or chicken?
- Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works great as a leaner alternative to beef.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
- Add some chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to the sloppy joe mix for an extra kick.
Can I use regular garlic bread instead of Texas Toast?
- Yes, but Texas Toast gives a thicker, crunchier texture that works well with the meat and cheese.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes! You can cook the meat mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat and assemble when ready.
Is there a gluten-free option for the bread?
- Absolutely! Look for gluten-free garlic bread or use gluten-free buns instead.
Can I use other cheeses besides mozzarella or provolone?
- Yes, you can substitute with cheddar, pepper jack, or any cheese of your choice!
Can I make this on the stovetop instead of in the oven?
- Yes, you can assemble the open-faced sandwich and heat it in a skillet until the cheese melts.
How long should I simmer the meat and sauce?
- Simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to combine, but don’t overcook to avoid drying out the meat.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the bread is crispy again.
Can I freeze the sloppy joe mixture?

Yes, you can freeze the meat mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just reheat and assemble the sandwiches when you’re ready.

How do I make the garlic bread crispier?

Toast the bread for a few extra minutes or broil it for a minute at the end of baking to get it extra crispy.

Can I add vegetables to the sloppy joe mix?

Yes! You can add diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.

How can I make this dish more filling?

Serve with fries, potato wedges, or a hearty soup on the side to make the meal more substantial.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and freeze it for later meals.

Can I use non-dairy cheese?

Yes, vegan cheese can be used as a substitute for mozzarella or provolone.

How spicy is the Del Monte Smokey BBQ sauce?

It has a mild smokey flavor with a subtle sweetness and no major heat. You can adjust the spice level by adding hot sauce or chili flakes.

Can I use a different brand of sloppy joe sauce?

Definitely! Any brand of sloppy joe sauce will work, but the smokey BBQ flavor really adds something special.

Can I use regular hamburger buns instead of garlic bread?

Yes, for a more classic take, you can swap in hamburger buns, though the garlic bread adds a unique touch.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Can I make this recipe on a grill?

Yes, you can grill the Texas Toast for an extra smoky flavor, then assemble the sandwich with the meat and cheese on the grill.

20 Best Tips to Make This Dish:

Don’t Overcook the Ground Beef: Brown it until it’s just cooked through to keep it tender and juicy.
Add More Cheese: Don’t be shy—extra cheese makes the dish even more delicious!
Use Fresh Toast: Fresh Texas Toast will give the best texture compared to pre-sliced bread.
Season the Meat: Even though you’re using sauce, don’t forget to season the beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Use a Cookie Sheet: A cookie sheet works great for spreading the toast evenly and prevents overcrowding.
Melt the Cheese Under Broil: After baking, turn on the broiler for the last 2 minutes to get the cheese perfectly browned and bubbly.
For Extra Flavor, Toast the Garlic Bread: Give the garlic bread a good crisp to balance the soft, juicy meat.
Simmer the Sloppy Joe Sauce Longer: Let it simmer longer for a deeper flavor if you have time.
Try Different Sauces: Experiment with different brands of sloppy joe sauce, from tangy to sweet to spicy.
Be Generous with the Meat Mixture: Don’t skimp on the beef—make sure every bite is loaded with filling.
Fresh Herbs Add Zing: Add some fresh parsley or basil on top to add a fresh, vibrant flavor.
Prep in Bulk: If you’re feeding a crowd, double the recipe to make a big batch!
Make it a Meal: Serve with a side of chips, pickles, or a coleslaw salad for a more complete meal.
Use a Non-Stick Baking Sheet: This will make it easier to remove the toast without making a mess.
Add a Fried Egg: For a decadent touch, top each sandwich with a fried egg before serving.
Use a Cast Iron Skillet: If cooking the meat, a cast iron skillet will help develop a richer flavor through browning.
Don’t Skip the Simmer: Let the meat and sauce simmer to enhance the flavors and meld together.
Avoid Soggy Bread: Make sure you bake the bread long enough before topping it to avoid soggy toast.
Serve with a Fun Dip: A side of ranch or BBQ sauce for dipping can add extra flavor.
Experiment with Add-ins: Try adding sautéed onions, peppers, or mushrooms to the beef for more depth.