Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone

When it comes to comfort food, Sloppy Joes are hard to beat. But why settle for the same old sandwich when you can elevate it with smoky flavors, cheesy goodness, and crispy garlic bread? This Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone recipe is a game-changer, combining the saucy, savory filling we all love with a crispy, cheesy Texas toast base. It’s quick to make, hearty, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving it to a hungry family or indulging on a cozy night in, this recipe promises satisfaction in every bite.

Let’s walk through how to whip up this flavorful dish in no time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Elevated Flavor: The smoky BBQ notes in the Sloppy Joe sauce bring a bold twist to the classic.
2. Cheesy and Toasty: Texas garlic toast adds a crispy, buttery base, while melted mozzarella or provolone ties it all together.
3. Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and simple steps, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
4. Versatile: Easily adaptable to keto or low-carb options with garlic keto toast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this smoky, cheesy goodness come to life.

For the Sloppy Joe Filling

• 2 lbs ground beef: The heart of this dish, offering a rich and meaty base.
• 2 cans of sloppy joe sauce: We recommend Del Monte for its smoky BBQ flavor, but any sauce will work. Add a dash of liquid smoke if you want to up the smoky factor.

For the Toast Base

• 2 boxes Texas Toast garlic bread with cheese: Pre-sliced and prepped, this bread bakes up golden and crispy.

For the Cheesy Topping

• Shredded mozzarella or sliced provolone: Either option melts beautifully, creating a gooey topping that complements the savory filling.

Optional for Low-Carb Version

• Garlic keto toast: For those following a low-carb or keto diet, this swap ensures you can still enjoy the dish.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and fully cooked, about 8–10 minutes.
2. Drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy filling.
3. Stir in the two cans of sloppy joe sauce. If you’re using a basic sauce, add a few drops of liquid smoke to achieve that signature BBQ flavor.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Toast

1. Arrange the Texas Toast garlic bread slices on a cookie sheet in a single layer.
2. Bake for 5 minutes in the preheated oven until the edges start to crisp.

Step 4: Assemble the Smokey Sloppy Joes

1. Remove the garlic toast from the oven but leave the oven on.
2. Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture onto each slice of toast, spreading it evenly.
3. Top each slice with shredded mozzarella or a slice of provolone cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

1. Return the assembled slices to the oven and bake for 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
2. For an extra touch, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for a crispy cheese topping.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Serve the Smokey Sloppy Joe slices hot, straight from the oven. Pair with a simple side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Smokey Sloppy Joes

1. Use Quality Ground Beef: Opt for 80/20 ground beef for a balance of flavor and moisture.
2. Customize the Sauce: If you don’t have pre-made smoky sloppy joe sauce, mix regular sauce with a teaspoon of liquid smoke, a splash of BBQ sauce, or a pinch of smoked paprika.
3. Cheese Options: Experiment with sharp cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
4. Low-Carb Option: Swap the Texas Toast for garlic keto bread to keep it low-carb without sacrificing flavor.

Why Texas Toast Is a Game-Changer

Texas Toast garlic bread brings more than just convenience to this dish. Its thick slices provide the perfect sturdy base for the hearty sloppy joe mixture, and the garlic butter and cheese layer add extra richness and flavor. When toasted, it becomes crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, complementing the saucy filling perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

1. Classic Pairings: Serve these Sloppy Joes with French fries, onion rings, or potato wedges.
2. Healthier Sides: Balance out the richness with a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli.
3. Party Appetizer: Cut the toast into smaller pieces and serve as bite-sized appetizers for gatherings.

Storing and Reheating

1. Refrigerate: Store leftover Sloppy Joes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Reheat: Warm slices in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
3. Freeze: You can freeze the sloppy joe mixture separately for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and assemble when ready to serve.

Customizations and Variations

1. Add Veggies: Mix in diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
2. Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture.
3. Cheesy Delight: Create a cheese crust by sprinkling extra mozzarella on the edges before broiling.
4. Pulled Pork Alternative: Swap the ground beef for pulled pork for a smoky BBQ twist.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone recipe takes an all-time favorite and gives it a gourmet upgrade. The combination of smoky, saucy beef with garlicky, cheesy toast creates a medley of flavors and textures that’s utterly irresistible. Plus, its versatility means you can customize it to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a hearty game-day snack, or a crowd-pleaser for gatherings, this dish delivers on all fronts.

Nutritional Information

Approximate per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 410 kcal
• Protein: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 18g

Final Thoughts

Comfort food is all about creating dishes that are satisfying, flavorful, and easy to make, and this Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone recipe checks all the boxes. From the smoky filling to the gooey melted cheese and crispy garlic toast, every bite is a celebration of bold flavors and textures.

So, preheat that oven, grab your skillet, and get ready to wow your taste buds. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or savoring it solo, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot. Enjoy!