Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes: A Flavor-Packed Twist on a Classic
Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes take the classic sloppy joe to the next level by serving the rich, savory meat mixture over crispy, buttery garlic bread instead of a traditional bun. Topped with gooey mozzarella cheese and baked to perfection, this dish is the ultimate comfort food that’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings, this recipe is family-friendly and highly customizable. Whether you prefer a spicy twist, a healthier version, or different cheeses, you can easily adapt this dish to your taste.
If you love bold flavors, crispy textures, and cheesy goodness, this recipe is a must-try! 🍽️
Ingredients
For the garlic bread:
- 1 loaf French bread, sliced in half lengthwise
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the sloppy joe filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Brush the mixture over the cut sides of the French bread.
Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes, just until slightly toasted.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease.
Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Spoon the sloppy joe mixture evenly over the toasted French bread.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Return to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- est Bread Choice: French bread is ideal because of its crispy crust, but ciabatta, baguette, or Texas toast can also work.
- Preventing Sogginess: Always toast the garlic bread first before adding the sloppy joe filling. Adding a layer of cheese before the meat also helps.
- Make Ahead Tip: The sloppy joe filling can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Customization Ideas: Swap ground beef for turkey, add jalapeños for spice, or use cheddar instead of mozzarella for a sharper flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with Caesar salad, sweet potato fries, or coleslaw for a complete meal.