Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread takes the best of two comfort foods and brings them together in one irresistible dish. Rich, hearty Sloppy Joe filling is piled high on top of crispy, buttery garlic bread, then topped with melted cheese for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe turns a classic weeknight dinner into a fun, shareable meal. It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Plus, it gives a nostalgic nod to childhood meals while adding a tasty twist with the garlic bread base.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Yellow onion, diced
- Green bell pepper, diced
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Tomato sauce
- Ketchup
- Worcestershire sauce
- Brown sugar
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Italian seasoning
- French bread or baguette
- Butter, softened
- Garlic powder
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Directions
- I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, I cook the ground beef until browned. I drain the excess grease.
- I add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. I cook until the vegetables are tender.
- I stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. I simmer the mixture for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens.
- I slice the French bread in half lengthwise and place the halves on a baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, I mix the softened butter and garlic powder. I spread this garlic butter mixture evenly over the bread halves.
- I bake the bread for 5 minutes until lightly toasted.
- I spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture generously over the toasted garlic bread.
- I sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- I return the bread to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- I garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 6 people. Preparation takes around 15 minutes, and cooking and baking together take another 20 minutes, making the total time about 35 minutes.
Variations
- I sometimes swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For a spicy kick, I add diced jalapenos to the Sloppy Joe mixture.
- I use a different cheese like cheddar or provolone if I want to change up the flavor.
- To make it vegetarian, I use lentils or a plant-based meat substitute instead of ground beef.
- For extra garlic flavor, I add roasted garlic to the butter spread.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place the garlic bread slices on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. I avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.
FAQs
How can I make Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread ahead of time?
I prepare the Sloppy Joe mixture and store it separately. When I’m ready to serve, I assemble and bake the garlic bread fresh for the best texture.
Can I freeze Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread?
I recommend freezing only the Sloppy Joe mixture. When needed, I thaw it and prepare fresh garlic bread for the best flavor and texture.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
I prefer using French bread or a sturdy baguette because they hold up well under the weight of the filling and stay crispy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, I use a gluten-free loaf of bread and make sure all my sauces are certified gluten-free.
What side dishes pair well with Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread?
I like to serve it with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or classic coleslaw to balance the richness.
Conclusion
Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread is the perfect mash-up of two beloved favorites. I love making it for casual dinners, game nights, or any time I want something hearty, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying. It’s an easy recipe that always gets rave reviews and brings a fun, nostalgic touch to the table.
Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread is the ultimate comfort food mash-up, combining savory Sloppy Joe filling with crispy, buttery garlic bread and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for quick dinners, parties, and feeding a hungry crowd!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 loaf French bread or baguette
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
- Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and place on a baking sheet.
- Mix softened butter with garlic powder and spread evenly over the bread.
- Bake the bread for 5 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture generously over the toasted bread.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake again for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add diced jalapenos for extra spice.
- Use cheddar or provolone cheese for different flavor variations.
- Make it vegetarian by using lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Leave a Reply