Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Fusion: Combines the classic sloppy joe with the irresistible taste of garlic bread, offering a unique and delicious twist.
• Quick and Easy: With straightforward preparation and cooking steps, this dish can be ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of savory beef, garlic bread, and melted cheese is a guaranteed hit at family dinners or gatherings.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or substitute ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 loaf French bread
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling:

   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
   • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened and fragrant.
   • Stir in the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and Italian seasoning.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

2. Prepare the Garlic Bread:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise.
   • In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the minced garlic.
   • Brush the garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
   • Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy.

3. Assemble the Sloppy Joes:

   • Remove the garlic bread from the oven.
   • Spoon the sloppy joe filling evenly over the garlic bread halves.
   • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the filling.
   • Return the assembled bread to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

4. Serve:

   • Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
   • Slice into individual servings and enjoy while hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the sloppy joe filling for added heat.
• Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar, provolone, or a blend for varied flavors.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian alternative.
• Additional Toppings: Top with sliced pickles, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions for extra flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, you can substitute French bread with Italian bread, baguettes, or even hamburger buns, depending on your preference.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sloppy joe filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble and bake the garlic bread with the filling and cheese when ready to serve.

Can I freeze the sloppy joe filling?

Absolutely. Allow the filling to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How can I make the garlic bread crispier?

For extra crispiness, broil the garlic bread for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes

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Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes are a mouthwatering blend of two beloved comfort foods. Ground beef is simmered in a savory, tangy sauce, served on crispy garlic bread, and topped with melty mozzarella cheese. This quick, easy, and customizable recipe will be a crowd favorite for any occasion!

• Author: Ava
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (for the filling)
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 loaf French bread
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (for the garlic butter)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

• Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling:

  • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until softened.
  • Stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and Italian seasoning.
  • Season with salt and pepper, then let the mixture simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes to thicken.

• Prepare the Garlic Bread:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise.
  • Mix melted butter with minced garlic, then brush over the cut sides of the bread.
  • Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up, and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy.

• Assemble the Sloppy Joes:

  • Remove the garlic bread from the oven.
  • Spoon the sloppy joe mixture over the bread halves, then top with mozzarella cheese.
  • Return the bread to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• Serve:

  • Let the cheesy garlic bread cool slightly before slicing into individual servings. Enjoy!

Notes

• For extra spice, add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the sloppy joe mixture.
• Swap mozzarella for cheddar or provolone for a flavor twist.
• For a vegetarian version, try lentils or a plant-based meat substitute instead of ground beef.