Sloppy Joes are a beloved comfort food, often served on hamburger buns with a tangy, savory filling. But what if you could take this iconic dish to the next level? Introducing Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes! This recipe takes the best of both worlds: the buttery, garlicky goodness of garlic bread and the classic, flavorful sloppy joe filling, all topped with a melty cheese blend. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or looking for a fun and easy weeknight meal, this recipe is perfect. It’s sure to become a new family favorite!
Ingredients
For the garlic bread, you will need 1 loaf Italian bread, ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter (softened), and 1 teaspoon garlic salt. For the sloppy joe filling, gather 1 pound ground beef, ¼ cup yellow onion (chopped), ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, ¾ cup (180 g) ketchup, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ cup water. For the topping, prepare 1 cup (113 g) mozzarella cheese (shredded), 1 cup (113 g) sharp cheddar cheese (shredded), and some parsley for garnish.
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.2️⃣ Slice the loaf of bread lengthwise into two halves and place both halves on the prepared baking sheet, cut side up.3️⃣ In a small bowl, combine the softened butter and garlic salt, then spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread. Set the bread aside while you prepare the sloppy joe filling.4️⃣ In a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onions until the beef is browned and no longer pink (about 8-10 minutes). Drain any excess grease, then stir in the garlic powder, yellow mustard, ketchup, salt, pepper, and water. Mix well until the ingredients are fully combined and heated through.5️⃣ Divide the sloppy joe mixture evenly between the two halves of garlic bread. Top each half with the shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese, ensuring the cheese covers the meat mixture.6️⃣ Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.7️⃣ Remove from the oven and cut the garlic bread sloppy joes into pieces. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Tips
For the best garlic bread base, be sure to use fresh Italian bread that’s soft yet sturdy enough to hold up to the hearty sloppy joe filling. If you prefer a little extra kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sloppy joe mixture for a spicy twist. If you’re short on time, feel free to use pre-made garlic butter spread for convenience, but homemade garlic butter will always yield the best results.
Serving Suggestions
These Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes are hearty enough to be served on their own, but they also pair well with a side salad or some crispy fries. You could also serve them with coleslaw for a refreshing crunch that complements the rich flavors of the sloppy joes. For an extra indulgent meal, serve them with a side of roasted vegetables, or add a pickled side dish to balance the richness of the sloppy joe mixture.
Storage
If you have leftovers, store the garlic bread sloppy joes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the leftover pieces under the broiler for a couple of minutes to crisp up the bread and melt the cheese again. Alternatively, you can microwave the pieces, though the garlic bread may lose some of its crispness.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
While Italian bread works best for this dish, you can use other types of bread, such as French bread or hoagie rolls. Just be sure to choose a sturdy bread that can hold up to the sloppy joe filling without getting too soggy.
Can I make the sloppy joe filling ahead of time?
Yes, the sloppy joe filling can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to assemble the dish, simply reheat the filling and proceed with the recipe.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different cheese, you can substitute the mozzarella and cheddar with provolone, gouda, or even pepper jack for a spicier version.
Conclusion
Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes are an easy-to-make, flavorful, and satisfying dish that combines the best of two comfort food favorites. With its garlic-buttery bread base, savory sloppy joe filling, and melty cheese topping, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual dinner party, these sloppy joes will surely steal the show. Try them out for your next meal, and enjoy a hearty, delicious twist on a classic favorite!
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Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes 🍔
Description
Garlic butter-infused bread topped with a savory ground beef mixture, melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese, and garnished with parsley for a comforting, indulgent meal.
Ingredients
• 1 loaf Italian bread
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 pound ground beef
• ¼ cup yellow onion, chopped
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• ¾ cup ketchup
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup water
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• Parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Slice the bread lengthwise and place the halves cut side up on the baking sheet.
3️⃣ Mix the butter and garlic salt, then spread over the bread.
4️⃣ Cook the ground beef and onions until browned, then add garlic powder, mustard, ketchup, salt, pepper, and water. Mix well.
5️⃣ Divide the sloppy joe mixture between the two bread halves and top with mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
6️⃣ Bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7️⃣ Remove from the oven, cut into pieces, and garnish with parsley.