Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with this irresistible Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread! This genius mashup combines two beloved comfort foods into one crowd-pleasing dish that’s both nostalgic and exciting. The savory, slightly sweet Sloppy Joe mixture piled high on crispy, buttery garlic bread creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or casual gatherings, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into something truly special. The contrast between the crunchy garlic bread and the saucy meat topping creates a delightful texture experience that both kids and adults will devour.
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast
- Uses simple pantry ingredients you likely already have on hand
- Kid-friendly but sophisticated enough for adults to enjoy too
- Versatile recipe that can be easily customized with your favorite add-ins
- Makes great leftovers that can be reheated for lunch the next day
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- ⅓ cup green bell pepper, seeded and diced
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced (about 2 cloves)
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1½ tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside.
- Cut the French bread in half lengthwise and place both halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with garlic salt and Italian seasoning until well combined. Spread this garlic butter mixture evenly over both bread halves.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Add the diced onions, green peppers, and minced garlic. Continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Drain off any excess grease.
- To the skillet, add tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, salt, onion powder, and paprika. Stir everything together until well combined. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Divide the hot sloppy joe mixture between the two bread halves, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the top of each loaded bread half. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and starting to turn golden brown at the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 1-2 minutes. Cut each half into 3 pieces (or more for smaller portions) and serve immediately while hot and cheese is still gooey.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture or a dash of hot sauce.
- Turkey or plant-based ground meat works great as a substitute for beef.
- Make the Sloppy Joe mixture up to 2 days ahead and store in the refrigerator for a quick meal assembly.
- Try different cheese varieties like pepper jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend.
- Add a layer of sliced pickles on top after baking for a tangy crunch.
- For extra flavor, mix 1/4 teaspoon of Italian seasoning into your garlic butter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. A tangy coleslaw also makes an excellent accompaniment, adding freshness and crunch to complement the savory garlic bread.
For a complete comfort food experience, pair with crispy potato wedges or sweet potato fries. Don’t forget extra napkins – this deliciously messy meal lives up to the “sloppy” in its name!
Notes
- Store any leftover Sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, assemble on fresh garlic bread for best results rather than storing fully assembled.
- The Sloppy Joe mixture can be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
- For a crispier bread base, toast the garlic bread a bit longer before adding toppings.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time for a party?
Yes! Prepare the Sloppy Joe mixture up to 2 days ahead and store in the refrigerator. Toast the garlic bread and assemble just before serving.
How do I know when the Sloppy Joe mixture is done cooking?
The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape on a spoon but still be saucy. The flavors will deepen as it simmers.
Can I use store-bought garlic bread instead?
Absolutely! Pre-made garlic bread works great as a time-saver. Just follow the package instructions for heating before adding the Sloppy Joe topping.
What’s the best way to slice this for serving?
Let the assembled garlic bread cool for about 5 minutes before slicing with a serrated knife. This helps prevent the toppings from sliding off.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- ⅓ cup green bell pepper, seeded and diced
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced (about 2 cloves)
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1½ tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside.
- Cut the French bread in half lengthwise and place both halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with garlic salt and Italian seasoning until well combined. Spread this garlic butter mixture evenly over both bread halves.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Add the diced onions, green peppers, and minced garlic. Continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Drain off any excess grease.
- To the skillet, add tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, salt, onion powder, and paprika. Stir everything together until well combined. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Divide the hot sloppy joe mixture between the two bread halves, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the top of each loaded bread half. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and starting to turn golden brown at the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 1-2 minutes. Cut each half into 3 pieces (or more for smaller portions) and serve immediately while hot and cheese is still gooey.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 703 kcal
