If you love the comfort of a hearty, cheesy Sloppy Joe but want to level it up, this Cookie Monster Cheesesteak-inspired toast is about to be your new favorite dinner hack. No, this isn’t a dessert—it’s a fun twist on classic Sloppy Joes, served open-faced on crispy garlic Texas toast with all the savory fixings. These are bold, beefy, messy, and utterly delicious.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or need a crowd-pleasing option for game day, these open-faced cheesesteak toasts are a guaranteed win. The name might throw people off at first—but once they take a bite, they’ll get it. It’s fun, it’s meaty, and it’s packed with flavor that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.

And let’s be real—who doesn’t love a meal that starts with buttery, garlicky Texas toast?

Let’s break down how this comes together with just a few pantry staples and zero fuss.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• ½ cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp yellow mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 box (8 slices) frozen garlic Texas toast
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional: sliced green onions or pickles for garnish

STEP-BY-STEP RECIPE

STEP 1: COOK THE MEAT MIXTURE

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add in the ground beef, chopped onion, and green bell pepper (if using). Cook everything down until the meat is browned and the vegetables are soft, about 7–8 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess grease once it’s done cooking.

STEP 2: MAKE IT SLOPPY

Now it’s time to bring in all that classic Sloppy Joe flavor. Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5–10 minutes, just until it thickens into a rich, saucy meat mixture.

STEP 3: BAKE THE TEXAS TOAST

While your meat simmers, preheat your oven and bake the garlic Texas toast according to the package directions. You want it golden and crisp—it’s going to be the perfect crunchy base for all that saucy goodness.

HOW TO ASSEMBLE AND FINISH YOUR CHEESESTEAK TOASTS

By now, your beefy, savory sloppy joe mixture is bubbling away and your Texas toast is crisping up perfectly in the oven. Here’s how to put it all together to get those melty, golden toasts that will have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe thirds).

Let’s jump back into the steps.

STEP 4: ASSEMBLE THE SLOPPY JOES

Once your toast slices are baked and golden, place them on a baking sheet. Now it’s time to get generous—spoon a hearty portion of your sloppy joe mixture onto each slice of toast. Spread it to the edges so every bite gets some of that flavorful filling.

STEP 5: ADD CHEESE AND MELT

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each toast. If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to go a little overboard here. Slide the baking sheet back into the oven under the broiler for 1–2 minutes—just enough to get that cheese melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

STEP 6: SERVE HOT AND GARNISH

Once they’re out of the oven, give them a few minutes to cool just slightly. Then, garnish with sliced green onions or pickles if you like a little tang and crunch on top. These are best served warm and fresh—right off the sheet pan.

TIPS FOR PERFECT RESULTS

1. Use Fresh Texas Toast If You Can
Frozen Texas toast is super convenient and flavorful, but if you’re up for it, making your own garlic bread from a thick loaf of Italian bread takes things to the next level.

2. Don’t Skip the Simmer
Letting the meat simmer with the sauce ingredients is what thickens the filling and lets all the flavors blend. If it’s too runny, it’ll slide right off the toast.

3. Customize It
You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a leaner option. And feel free to toss in jalapeños, chopped mushrooms, or even bacon bits if you’re feeling adventurous.

4. Cheese Options Are Endless
Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a spicy pepper jack can add a fun twist. Just make sure it’s a good melting cheese.

5. Make It a Meal
Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies on the side to round out your plate. These toasts are filling on their own, but a side can make it dinner party-worthy.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT COOKIE MONSTER CHEESESTEAK TOASTS

Can I make the meat mixture ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sloppy joe filling a day or two ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop before assembling your toasts.

What’s the best bread to use if I can’t find Texas toast?

Look for thick-sliced garlic bread or even cut your own slices from a sturdy loaf like Italian or French bread. You want something that will hold up to all the toppings without getting soggy.

Can I freeze these?

They’re best fresh, but you can freeze the meat mixture on its own. Once cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before using on fresh toast.

How spicy is this recipe?

It’s very mild as written. If you’d like to add some heat, try a dash of hot sauce in the meat mixture or top the finished toasts with sliced jalapeños.

Can I use different cheese?

Definitely! Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack are great options. Just make sure the cheese melts well.

What sides go well with these?

Try a crisp side salad, oven-roasted veggies, or even some seasoned fries. These toasts are rich and flavorful, so a lighter side is a nice balance.

Are these kid-friendly?

Very much so! Kids love the cheesy, savory flavors, and you can skip the optional toppings like pickles or onions to suit their taste.

WRAP-UP: YOUR NEW FAVORITE COMFORT FOOD

If you’re looking for a no-fuss dinner or party-friendly appetizer that checks all the boxes—cheesy, savory, slightly messy, and utterly satisfying—these Cookie Monster Cheesesteak Toasts are it. With simple ingredients and big flavor, they’re a weeknight dinner win and a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.

Give them a try this week and let me know how they turn out in the comments! Did you put your own spin on the recipe? Add some heat? Change up the cheese? I’d love to hear what you came up with.

And don’t forget to share the love—these are meant to be devoured with napkins in hand and

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