Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Toast has become one of those last-minute lifesavers in my house. I first threw it together on a chaotic weeknight—one of those evenings when everyone was hungry, and I had no dinner plan. I had leftover ground beef, some garlic bread, and cheese, and just like that, this comforting, melty dish was born. My kids now ask for it weekly. It’s messy in the best way, full of flavor, and ridiculously easy. If you’re like me—always juggling time but still craving something cozy—this cheesy sloppy joe garlic toast will quickly earn a spot in your rotation.
Why You’ll Love This :
If you’re craving something bold, comforting, and quick to make, this cheesy sloppy joe garlic toast is exactly what your dinner table needs. It’s a mash-up of two family favorites—savory sloppy joes and garlicky, crispy toast—topped with gooey, golden cheese. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make with ingredients you probably already have. The garlic toast holds up perfectly under the meaty topping without getting soggy, and the melted cheese finishes it off with a delicious pull in every bite. It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love.
This cheesy sloppy joe garlic toast also works great as a weeknight dinner, game-day snack, or even a quick weekend lunch. It’s satisfying, full of flavor, and comes together in just 30 minutes. You can scale the recipe easily depending on how many people you’re feeding. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this is one of those no-fuss meals everyone raves about.
Ingredients for Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Toast

Here’s what you’ll need to make cheesy sloppy joe garlic toast:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef (85% lean) | 1 pound |
| Yellow onion, diced | 1 small |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Ketchup | 1/2 cup |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
| Frozen garlic Texas toast (or homemade) | 8 slices |
| Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese | 2 cups |
Substitutions & Variations for Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Toast
This cheesy sloppy joe garlic toast is super flexible. Here are some ways to mix it up:
- Meat: Swap the ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version.
- Cheese: Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a sharper flavor, or even provolone for a meltier bite.
- Bread: No garlic toast? Use thick slices of sourdough or a hoagie roll—just brush with butter and garlic powder.
- Veggie Boost: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even grated zucchini into the meat mixture for extra nutrition.
- Spicy Twist: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sloppy joe mix for a little heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Toast

Making cheesy sloppy joe garlic toast couldn’t be easier. With just a few simple steps, dinner will be on the table in no time:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (or follow the garlic toast package instructions).
- Cook the meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
- Add flavor: Stir in diced onion and cook until soft—about 3–4 minutes.
- Make it sloppy: Add ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined. Let simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors blend.
- Toast the bread: While the sloppy joe mixture simmers, place garlic toast slices on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes (or until lightly crisp but not fully cooked).
- Assemble: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture evenly over each garlic toast slice.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top.
- Bake again: Return to the oven for another 5–7 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve warm, topped with chopped parsley if desired.
This recipe yields 8 toasts, perfect for sharing or leftovers the next day.
Pro Tips for Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Toast Success
- Drain the beef well after browning to prevent greasy toast.
- Don’t overbake the toast the first round—just enough to crisp up without getting too crunchy before the final bake.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
- Customize it with your favorite seasonings—smoked paprika or chili powder can add a great twist.
- Double the batch of sloppy joe meat and freeze half for another busy night.
Storage & Reheating Tips for Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Toast
Storing and reheating cheesy sloppy joe garlic toast is simple if you plan ahead:
- Storage: Place leftover toasts in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: It’s best to freeze the meat mixture separately from the toast. Store it in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: For best texture, reheat the toast in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes until hot and crispy. Avoid the microwave—it can make the bread soggy.
- Quick tip: If the cheese starts to harden in the fridge, pop the toast under the broiler for 2–3 minutes to bring back that bubbly top.
What to Serve With Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Toast

Cheesy sloppy joe garlic toast is a hearty, flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides to balance the richness. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette brightens the plate and adds a refreshing crunch. Classic coleslaw is another excellent match, offering creaminess and zest to complement the sloppy joe’s savory depth. For a warm side, oven-roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or green beans add color and nutrients without competing with the main dish’s bold flavors. If you want a kid-friendly option, serve some crunchy carrot sticks or sweet potato fries alongside.
Don’t forget to keep drinks light and refreshing—iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water with a splash of citrus are all great picks to cut through the cheesy richness. This combo makes every meal feel balanced and satisfying without extra fuss.
FAQs About Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Toast
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the sloppy joe meat mixture up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. Assemble and bake the toast just before serving for best texture.
Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
A: Freeze the cooked sloppy joe meat separately for up to 3 months. Toast is best fresh or refrigerated short-term.
Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
A: Absolutely! Thick sourdough or even sandwich bread brushed with garlic butter works well if you don’t have garlic toast.
Q: How can I make this recipe healthier?
A: Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey and use reduced-fat cheese. Add finely chopped veggies to the meat mixture for extra fiber.
Nutrition Information for Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Toast (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Total Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Cheesy sloppy joe garlic toast is a quick, comforting meal loaded with savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese on crispy garlic bread. Perfect for busy nights when you want something simple yet satisfying.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and black pepper to taste
8 slices frozen garlic Texas toast
2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Brown ground beef in skillet and drain excess fat.
3. Add diced onion and cook until softened.
4. Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; simmer 5 minutes.
5. Toast garlic bread slices for 5 minutes.
6. Top toast with sloppy joe mixture and sprinkle with cheese.
7. Bake another 5-7 minutes until cheese melts.
8. Serve warm.
Notes
Drain the beef well to avoid soggy toast.
Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt.
Reheat in oven to keep toast crispy.
Freeze leftover meat separately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg