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
- 1 loaf Italian bread
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
Sloppy Joe:
- 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
Topping:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sharp cheddar, shredded
- Parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Slice the loaf of bread lengthwise into two halves. Place both halves of the bread onto the lined baking sheet, cut side up.
In a small bowl, combine the butter and garlic salt. Spread the butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread. Set aside while you make the sloppy joe filling.
In a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onions until the beef is no longer pink (8-10 minutes). Drain grease. Stir in the garlic powder, mustard, ketchup, salt, pepper, and water, mixing until combined.
Divide the sloppy joe mixture between both sides of the loaves and top with the mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown.
Cut into pieces and serve with parsley for garnish.
Notes
- Bread Selection: Choose a sturdy, thick bread like French bread, ciabatta, or an Italian loaf. These hold up better to the saucy filling, preventing sogginess and ensuring a crunchy texture.
- Protein Options: While ground beef is traditional, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a healthier or vegetarian version. Lentils also work well for a veggie alternative.
- Garlic Butter Spread: The garlic butter spread gives the bread its distinctive flavor. Fresh garlic is recommended, but you can substitute garlic powder in a pinch. Add a bit of Parmesan for a cheesy, savory touch.
- Sauce Consistency: Be sure to simmer the tomato-based sauce until it thickens slightly. A thinner sauce can make the bread soggy, so aim for a consistency that clings to the meat.
- Cheese Choices: Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic Italian cheeses that complement this dish perfectly. However, you can switch it up with provolone, cheddar, or gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Broiling for Extra Flavor: After assembling the sandwiches, broiling them for a few minutes melts the cheese and adds a nice golden finish to the top. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- Make-Ahead and Storage: The sloppy joe filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it on the stovetop when ready to serve. Garlic bread is best made fresh but can be toasted lightly before reheating to regain some crispiness.
- Customizations: For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage. You can also make a low-carb version by serving the filling over lettuce wraps or using gluten-free bread.