Take your classic Sloppy Joes to the next level with this hearty twist served on crispy French bread. These French Bread Sloppy Joes are loaded with savory beef, topped with melted cheddar cheese, and baked to perfection. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a game day treat, or any time you want to enjoy a comforting, delicious meal that’s easy to make and sure to please the whole family.
🛒 Ingredients
For 4 servings:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 large loaf of French bread, sliced lengthwise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
👩🍳 Directions
1️⃣ Cook the Beef and Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, cooking and breaking it up with a spatula until it’s browned and fully cooked. If needed, drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the beef. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 4-5 minutes.
2️⃣ Prepare the Sloppy Joe Sauce:
- Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, and mustard. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your liking.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3️⃣ Prepare the French Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the sliced French bread, cut side up, on a baking sheet.
- Toast the bread in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes, or until it’s slightly crispy around the edges.
4️⃣ Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
- Evenly spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture over the toasted French bread halves, spreading it to cover the surface.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the Sloppy Joe mixture.
5️⃣ Melt the Cheese:
- Return the assembled French bread Sloppy Joes to the oven.
- Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
6️⃣ Serve:
- Remove the French Bread Sloppy Joes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
- Slice into portions and serve hot.
- If desired, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
🍔 Tips for the Perfect French Bread Sloppy Joes
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like pickles, jalapeños, or extra veggies for added crunch and flavor.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can switch it up with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even provolone for different flavor profiles.
- Toasting Tip: Toasting the French bread before adding the Sloppy Joe mixture helps prevent the bread from getting soggy, ensuring a perfect texture.
These French Bread Sloppy Joes are a deliciously messy and cheesy take on the classic, perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. With the combination of crispy bread, savory beef, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy every bite of this comfort food delight! 🥖🍔🧀