Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Toast (Printer-Friendly)

Ground beef and tangy sauce heaped on garlicky toast, finished with melty cheddar for a golden, gooey meal.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Sloppy Joe Mixture

01 - 1 pound ground beef, 80–85% lean
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 cup tomato sauce
04 - 2 tablespoons ketchup
05 - 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
06 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
07 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
08 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
09 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder

→ Assembly

10 - 8 slices frozen garlic toast
11 - 2 cups cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, breaking the meat apart with a spoon. Sauté for about 8 minutes until the beef is browned and fully cooked, then drain excess fat.
02 - Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, onion powder, and garlic powder to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients. Simmer gently for 5 to 8 minutes until thickened and aromatic.
03 - Place frozen garlic toast slices in a single layer on a large baking sheet, allowing space for even crisping.
04 - Spoon a generous portion of the hot meat mixture onto each toast slice. Distribute freshly shredded cheddar evenly over each portion.
05 - Transfer the baking sheet to a preheated 400°F oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the toast is golden and the cheese melted and bubbly.
06 - Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 2 minutes before serving to avoid burns. Present while the cheese remains gooey and the toast is still crisp.

# Additional Suggestions:

01 - Allow the filling to rest a few minutes after simmering to thicken and prevent soggy toast.
02 - For optimal melting, freshly shred cheddar cheese rather than using pre-grated varieties.
03 - Tent foil loosely over the tray if cheese browns too quickly during baking.
04 - Leftover beef mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.