Mediterranean-Style Cheesy Sloppy Joe Toast
Flavor-packed and still quick!
This Mediterranean twist on the classic Sloppy Joe gives your weeknight dinner a whole new vibe — think savory ground meat simmered in spiced tomato sauce, layered over crusty bread, and topped with gooey melted cheese. Instead of the traditional American-style sauce, this version features herbs, garlic, tomatoes, olives, and feta or mozzarella, creating a bold and tangy filling with a touch of richness. Serve it as open-faced toast for a fast, satisfying, and family-friendly meal that feels gourmet but takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
For the Mediterranean Sloppy Joe Filling:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small red onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb (450g) ground beef, lamb, or turkey
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional, for depth)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, chopped
1 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 cup crushed tomatoes (or tomato passata)
1 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
1 tsp dried oregano
Fresh parsley or mint, chopped (for garnish)
For Assembly:
4 slices crusty bread (ciabatta, sourdough, or baguette halves work well)
1 cup shredded mozzarella, or crumbled feta (or a mix!)
Olive oil, for brushing
Instructions:
Make the filling:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Sauté the onion for 2–3 minutes until soft, then add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add ground meat. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes.
Stir in cumin, paprika, cinnamon (if using), salt, and pepper.
Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, vinegar or lemon juice, oregano, and olives. Let simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until thickened.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Set aside.
Prepare the toast:
While the filling simmers, preheat the broiler (or oven to 450°F / 230°C).
Brush bread slices with a little olive oil and toast under the broiler or in a toaster oven until golden on one side.
Assemble and melt cheese:
Spoon the meat mixture generously over the toasted side of the bread.
Top each with shredded mozzarella or crumbled feta.
Return to the broiler for 2–4 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley or mint.
Serve warm, with a green salad or cucumber-yogurt dip on the side for a fresh touch.
Serving Suggestions:
Add a side of lemony arugula salad, tzatziki, or roasted veggies.
Turn it into a mini flatbread pizza by using pita or naan instead of toast.
Make it a sloppy joe wrap with warm tortillas or lettuce cups.
Tips for the Best Sloppy Joe Toast
Toast the bread well:
Make sure to toast the bread until it’s crisp and golden before adding the filling — this prevents sogginess and holds up under the saucy topping.
Let the sauce thicken:
Simmer the meat sauce until most of the moisture cooks off. A thicker sauce stays on the toast better and creates less mess when eating.
Use quality cheese:
Feta adds tang and saltiness, while mozzarella gives you that melty, gooey finish. A mix of both creates great contrast.
Meal prep tip:
Make the meat filling up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Toast and assemble just before serving for a quick weeknight meal.
Make it kid-friendly:
Leave out the olives and use a milder cheese like mozzarella or mild cheddar for a more familiar taste.
Tasty Variations
Protein Swaps:
Ground lamb: Gives it a bold, rich Mediterranean flavor.
Ground chicken or turkey: Leaner and lighter but still flavorful with the right spices.
Plant-based ground meat or lentils: For a vegetarian version, use lentils or vegan ground and adjust seasoning to taste.
Bread Alternatives:
Pita or naan: Makes a great flatbread-style sloppy joe.
Mini slider buns or brioche rolls: Serve as more traditional handheld sandwiches.
Lettuce wraps: For a low-carb, fresh alternative.
Cheese Options:
Halloumi (grilled slices): Adds a salty, chewy bite.
Goat cheese or ricotta: For a creamy and tangy topping.
Vegan cheese: Use your favorite plant-based mozzarella or feta alternative for a dairy-free version.
Flavor Twists:
Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for sweetness and depth.
Mix in chickpeas or cooked lentils to stretch the filling and add texture.
Top with a drizzle of tzatziki or garlic yogurt sauce after baking for a creamy contrast.
Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make the meat filling ahead of time?
A: Yes! The filling keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just reheat and assemble when ready to serve.
Q: What’s the best bread to use?
A: Crusty bread like ciabatta, sourdough, baguette halves, or even toasted flatbreads work great. You want a sturdy base to hold the saucy topping.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: No, it’s flavorful but mild. You can add heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes, chili oil, or harissa if desired.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Use plant-based ground, lentils, or a mixture of mushrooms and walnuts for a rich meatless alternative.
Q: What sides go well with it?
A: Try it with:
Tzatziki or garlic yogurt
Greek salad or arugula
Roasted vegetables
Oven fries with herbs
Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving – 1 of 4 open-faced toasts):
(Based on ground beef, mozzarella, and ciabatta bread)
Calories: ~430–480 kcal
Protein: 25–30g
Carbohydrates: 30–35g
Fat: 25–30g
Fiber: 2–4g
Sodium: ~700–800mg
For a lighter option, use lean ground turkey and feta, and serve over whole grain or lower-calorie bread.
Conclusion:
Mediterranean-Style Cheesy Sloppy Joe Toast is the perfect mix of comfort and bold flavor — combining the cozy satisfaction of a sloppy joe with bright, briny Mediterranean ingredients. It’s quick, customizable, and guaranteed to become a new favorite whether you’re feeding the family, entertaining, or just craving something hearty and fun.