Italian Joes On Texas Toast Food

ITALIAN SLOPPY JOES

Steps:

• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil and the beef. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it is well browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then remove the beef and drain off the fat.
• To the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and cook the peppers and onions until soft and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the tomato paste and cook for a minute or 2. Add the tomatoes, sugar, oregano and basil and bring to a simmer. Return the beef to the pan and simmer until the mixture is nice and thick, about 10 minutes. If it gets too thick, thin it with a little water. Remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan and parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
• To serve: Spoon a nice portion of sauce over each of 4 slices of the Garlic Toast. Let the sauce cascade over the sides, then prop a second piece of Garlic Toast over to the side of each. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place the bread slices on a baking sheet.
• In a bowl, mix together the butter, Parmesan, oil, parsley, garlic powder, paprika and oregano until it forms a paste. Season with salt and pepper, then spread the mixture on the bread.
• Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes.

SPICY SLOPPY ITALIAN JOES!

Steps:

• Bake Texas toast style garlic bread slices per package directions. (I like the kind with cheese!).
• Brown meat (breaking up into crumbles), onion, peppers, and garlic in a large skillet over medium high heat until veggies are soft and meat is cooked through. Drain grease if necessary.
• Add dry sloppy joe packet and spaghetti sauce to meat mixture. Stir well to combine.
• Reduce heat to medium. Let sauce simmer until reduced to desired consistency, about 5-10 minutes (we like ours super saucy, so I only simmer about 5 min).
• I serve these open-faced, so spoon sloppy joe mixture over baked garlic bread pieces and top with parmesan cheese.