Zesty Italian Open-Faced Joes
Indulge in a gourmet twist on the classic sloppy joes with these Zesty Italian Open-Faced Joes. This delightful dish combines ground beef or Italian sausage with vibrant vegetables and a zesty spaghetti sauce, all served atop golden, cheesy Texas toast. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe utilizes convenient ingredients like a savory sloppy joe seasoning mix and pre-made garlic toast to ensure dinner's on the table in a flash. Your loved ones will crave the robust flavors and perfect texture, making it a family favorite. Whether you're hosting a casual dinner or simply enjoying a cozy night in, these open-faced Italian joes are sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef or Italian sausage
1 lb (Choose ground beef or Italian sausage based on preference.)
Onion, diced
1/2 cup (Chop finely.)
Green bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup (Chop finely.)
Garlic cloves, minced
3 (Mince.)
Serrano peppers, minced
2 (optional) (Mince. Use only if you prefer extra heat.)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (optional) (Add to taste for heat.)
Spaghetti sauce
1 (15 1/2 ounce) jar (Choose a brand like Classico Spicy Red Bell Pepper for an extra kick.)
Sloppy joe seasoning mix
1 1/4 ounces (Dry mix.)
Texas toast thick bread, frozen
8 slices (Use garlic bread type.)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (Grate or use pre-grated.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven and bake the frozen Texas toast according to the package instructions. Opt for the cheesy variety for added richness!
2
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add your choice of ground beef or Italian sausage. Break it up into small crumbles and cook until browned. Add in the diced onion, green bell pepper, minced garlic, and serrano peppers (if using). Continue sautéing until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
3
Drain any excess grease from the skillet if necessary.
4
Sprinkle the sloppy joe seasoning mix over the meat and vegetable mixture, then pour in the jar of spaghetti sauce. Stir everything together to ensure an even coating.
5
Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for approximately 5-10 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency (shorter for a saucier affair!).
6
To serve, spoon generous amounts of the sloppy joe mixture over the toasted garlic bread. Finish with a hearty sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese for a delightful melty finish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Italian Open-Faced Joes?
Zesty Italian Open-Faced Joes are a gourmet twist on traditional sloppy joes, featuring a meat and vegetable mixture in spaghetti sauce served on top of cheesy Texas toast.
What kind of meat is recommended for this recipe?
You can use either one pound of ground beef or Italian sausage, depending on your personal preference.
What type of bread is used for the base?
The recipe calls for eight slices of frozen Texas toast thick bread, specifically the garlic bread or cheesy variety.
How should I prepare the Texas toast?
Preheat your oven and bake the frozen toast according to the package instructions until golden before topping with the joe mixture.
Which vegetables are added to the meat mixture?
The mixture includes diced onion, diced green bell pepper, minced garlic, and optional minced serrano peppers.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe can be adjusted for heat by adding optional minced serrano peppers and crushed red pepper flakes.
What kind of spaghetti sauce works best?
A 15 1/2 ounce jar of any spaghetti sauce works, but a brand like Classico Spicy Red Bell Pepper is suggested for an extra kick.
What seasoning is used for the Italian joes?
The recipe uses a 1 1/4 ounce packet of sloppy joe seasoning mix to provide a savory base.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need three cloves of minced garlic for this dish.
How many serrano peppers should I use?
If you prefer extra heat, you can add two minced serrano peppers.
Should I drain the grease from the meat?
Yes, it is recommended to drain any excess grease from the skillet after browning the meat and before adding the sauce.
How long does the meat mixture need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer on medium heat for approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
How do I achieve a saucier consistency?
For a saucier result, simmer the mixture for a shorter period of time, closer to 5 minutes.
What cheese is used as a topping?
The recipe is finished with a hearty sprinkle of 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Can I use Italian sausage instead of ground beef?
Yes, Italian sausage is a great alternative and adds a different dimension of flavor to the dish.
How do I assemble the open-faced joes?
Spoon generous amounts of the prepared sloppy joe mixture over the baked garlic bread and top with cheese.
How much onion and bell pepper is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of diced onion and 1/2 cup of diced green bell pepper.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, by using convenient ingredients like frozen Texas toast and jarred sauce, dinner can be on the table very quickly.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
Yes, you can use either freshly grated or pre-grated Parmesan cheese.
What is the best way to brown the meat?
Cook the meat in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small crumbles until browned.
When should I add the vegetables to the meat?
Add the diced onion, green pepper, and garlic to the skillet once the meat has started browning, and sauté until soft.
How many servings does this recipe make?
Based on the 8 slices of Texas toast used, this recipe typically serves 4 to 8 people depending on the serving size.
Can I use red pepper flakes for heat?
Yes, you can add one teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture for an extra spicy kick.
Is the Texas toast baked separately?
Yes, the Texas toast is baked in the oven according to its package instructions while you prepare the meat mixture on the stove.
Is this dish suitable for family dinners?
Absolutely, it is described as a family favorite that is perfect for busy weeknights or casual hosting.
How do you finish the dish to get a melty topping?
The heat from the meat mixture will help melt the Parmesan cheese when it is sprinkled on top right before serving.
What is the main flavor profile of this recipe?
The dish features robust Italian flavors combined with the zesty, sweet-and-savory notes of a classic sloppy joe.
Do I need to add oil to the skillet?
The recipe doesn't specify adding oil, as the fat from the ground beef or sausage is usually sufficient for sautéing the vegetables.
Can I make this recipe for a cozy night in?
Yes, these open-faced Joes are ideal for a cozy, comforting meal at home.
Can I use a different type of toast?
While Texas toast is recommended for its thickness and flavor, you could substitute other thick-sliced breads if needed.