Open Faced Sloppy Joe Melts

Introduction

Open Faced Sloppy Joe Melts are a delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich. This recipe takes all the flavors of a traditional sloppy joe and turns it into a cheesy, melty, and open-faced delight. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or a fun appetizer, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Sloppy Joes:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Open Faced Sloppy Joe Melts:

• 4 slices of bread (your choice of bread)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup sliced pickles (optional)

Steps

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour the sauce over the ground beef mixture in the skillet. Stir to combine.
4. Simmer the sloppy joe mixture for 10-15 minutes, or until thickened.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. Place the slices of bread on a baking sheet. Toast the bread in the oven for a few minutes until lightly crispy.
7. Remove the bread from the oven and divide the sloppy joe mixture evenly onto each slice.
8. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the sloppy joe mixture on each slice of bread.
9. Place the baking sheet back in the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Remove from the oven and garnish with sliced pickles, if desired.
11. Serve the Open Faced Sloppy Joe Melts hot and enjoy!

Variations

There are several ways you can customize this recipe to suit your taste:

• Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add some diced jalapenos or hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture for a spicy kick.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for a unique flavor.
• Top the melts with sliced avocado or tomato for extra freshness.

Tips

• Make sure to toast the bread before adding the sloppy joe mixture and cheese. This will prevent the bread from becoming too soggy.
• If you don’t have pickles, you can substitute with sliced olives or banana peppers for added tanginess.
• Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the sloppy joe mixture to suit your taste. Add more brown sugar for sweetness or more Worcestershire sauce for a tangier flavor.
• If you have leftovers, store the sloppy joe mixture and cheese separately. This will help maintain the texture and prevent the bread from getting too soggy when reheated.

Conclusion

Open Faced Sloppy Joe Melts are a delicious and satisfying meal that takes the classic sloppy joe to a whole new level. With their cheesy goodness and flavorful sloppy joe mixture, they are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or as a party appetizer, these melts are a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.

FAQs

Can I make the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sloppy joe mixture in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to make the melts, simply reheat the mixture on the stovetop before assembling.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for slices of bread, you can use any type of bread you prefer. Try using French bread, ciabatta, or even hamburger buns for a different twist.

What can I serve with the melts?

Open Faced Sloppy Joe Melts can be served on their own as a complete meal. However, if you want to add some side dishes, consider serving them with a side of coleslaw, baked beans, or a green salad.