Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground chuck (80/20 ratio)
  • 0.5 cup yellow onion, finely diced
  • 0.25 cup green bell pepper, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.75 cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 8 slices thick-cut Texas Toast (pre-buttered garlic bread)
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) while the meat simmers.
  2. Arrange 8 slices of Texas Toast on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes until the edges start to turn golden.
  3. Brown 1 lb ground chuck in a large skillet over medium high heat until no pink remains, breaking it into small crumbles. Note: This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add 0.5 cup diced onion and 0.25 cup green pepper to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent.
  5. Stir in 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for exactly 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  6. Whisk together 0.75 cup ketchup, 1 tbsp Worcestershire, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp mustard, and 0.5 tsp smoked paprika in a small bowl.
  7. Pour the sauce over the meat mixture, seasoning with 0.5 tsp salt and 0.25 tsp pepper, and simmer for 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
  8. Spoon the beef mixture evenly onto the par baked toast slices, spreading it to the very edges.
  9. Top with 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella and return to the oven for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
  10. Garnish with 1 tbsp fresh parsley and serve immediately while the bread is still hot and crispy.