Why Make This Recipe
Open-faced sloppy Joes are a delicious twist on the classic Sloppy Joe sandwich. They are easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner or casual get-together. The combination of savory ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and crispy onion straws makes for a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Plus, making them on Texas toast gives a crunchy base that holds all the flavors together beautifully.
How to Make Open-Faced Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup onions, diced
- 3/4 cup tomato puree
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper
- Canned cheese sauce
- Texas toast
- 3/4 cup mayo
- 1/4 cup ketchup (for burger sauce)
- 1 Tbs sweet pickle relish
- 1 Tbs vinegar (for burger sauce)
- 1/2 tsp pepper (for burger sauce)
- 1 large onion, sliced thin (for onion straws)
- 2 cups flour (for onion straws)
- 1 Tbs paprika (for onion straws)
- 1 tsp pepper (for onion straws)
- 1 tsp salt (for onion straws)
- 2 tsp garlic powder (for onion straws)
- Oil for frying (for onion straws)
Directions
- To make the onion straws, add the sliced onions to a large bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Let them sit for about 30 minutes.
- Heat oil to 350°F in a pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, pepper, salt, and garlic powder.
- Remove the onions from the buttermilk in small batches. Toss them in the flour mixture and fry until browned. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
- To make the burger sauce, combine mayo, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, vinegar, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk until combined.
- For the sloppy joes, sauté ground beef and diced onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned. Drain off the fat.
- Add in tomato puree, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- To assemble, heat the canned cheese sauce in the microwave. Toast Texas toast.
- On a plate, layer one slice of Texas toast, top with sloppy Joe meat, spread the desired amount of burger sauce over the top, add cheese sauce, and finish with onion straws. Serve immediately.
How to Serve Open Faced Sloppy Joes
Serve Open Faced Sloppy Joes hot on a plate. They are perfect on their own or could be served with a side of fries, salad, or coleslaw for a complete meal. This dish is great for sharing, making it ideal for parties or family gatherings.
How to Store Open Faced Sloppy Joes
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sloppy joe mixture and onion straws can be kept separately for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the sloppy joe mix on the stove and toast fresh Texas toast before serving.
Tips to Make Open-Faced Sloppy Joes
- Use lean ground beef to make the dish healthier.
- Adjust the toppings based on your preference; you can add pickles or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Make sure to fry the onion straws until golden brown for the best crunch.
Variation
For a spicier version, you can add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture. You can also use turkey or chicken in place of ground beef for a lighter option.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of bread instead of Texas toast?
A: Yes, you can use any bread you prefer, such as hamburger buns or thick slices of white bread. Just make sure to toast it for some crunch.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sloppy joe mixture and onion straws in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge and assemble when ready to eat.
Q: Can I freeze Open-Faced Sloppy Joes?
A: Yes, you can freeze the sloppy joe mixture in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat on the stove.
Open Faced Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
Method
- Soak the sliced onions in buttermilk for about 30 minutes.
- Heat oil to 350°F in a pan.
- Whisk together flour, paprika, pepper, salt, and garlic powder in a large bowl.
- Remove onions from buttermilk in small batches, toss them in the flour mixture, and fry until browned.
- Drain the fried onion straws on paper towels and set aside.
- Combine mayo, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, vinegar, and pepper in a bowl and whisk until combined.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, sauté ground beef and diced onions until browned. Drain off the fat.
- Add tomato puree, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Heat the canned cheese sauce in the microwave.
- Toast Texas toast.
- On a plate, layer one slice of Texas toast, then top with sloppy joe meat, spread burger sauce, add cheese sauce, and finish with onion straws. Serve immediately.
