Description
This Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes recipe combines the best of two beloved comfort foods—sloppy joes and garlic bread—into one incredibly flavorful dish. A savory Italian-seasoned meat mixture is piled onto crispy, golden garlic bread and topped with melty cheese for a delicious twist on the classic. Perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or as a quick weeknight meal, these sloppy joes will soon become a household favorite. The garlic-infused bread adds a crunchy base, while the saucy, cheesy filling brings rich and hearty flavors to every bite. Customize this recipe with your favorite meat, cheese, or bread for a personal touch!
Ingredients
For the Garlic Bread:
- 1 loaf Italian bread
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 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
For the Topping:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Bread:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the loaf of Italian bread lengthwise into two halves. Place both halves on the prepared baking sheet, cut side up.
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter and garlic salt. Spread the butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread. Set aside while preparing the Sloppy Joe filling.
2️⃣ Make the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- In a medium nonstick skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onions over medium heat until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the garlic powder, yellow mustard, ketchup, salt, pepper, and water. Mix well to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
3️⃣ Assemble the Garlic Bread:
- Divide the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly between both halves of the garlic bread, spreading it over the buttered surface.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the Sloppy Joe mixture.
4️⃣ Bake and Serve:
- Place the assembled loaves in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, cut into pieces, and garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture or sprinkle them on top of the cheese before baking.
- You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer a lighter version.
- Serve with a simple salad or a side of fries to complete the meal.