If you’re craving a comforting meal that combines the best of garlic bread and sloppy joes, then look no further! Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes offer a delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe by serving it on buttery, garlic-infused Italian bread. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or just when you want something hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Bread:
- 1 loaf Italian bread
- 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup yellow onion, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 3/4 cup (180 g) ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup water
For the Topping:
- 1 cup (113 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup (113 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Garlic Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, you can prepare the garlic bread.
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the Italian bread loaf in half lengthwise. Place the halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.
- Make the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter and garlic salt until well combined.
- Spread the Butter: Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread. Make sure to cover the entire surface for maximum flavor.
- Bake the Bread: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crispy around the edges. Remove from the oven and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling
While the garlic bread is baking, you can make the sloppy joe filling.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef until it’s browned and fully cooked. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks.
- Add Onions: Once the beef is browned, add 1/4 cup of chopped yellow onion to the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes, or until the onion is softened.
- Season and Mix: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of yellow mustard, 3/4 cup of ketchup, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Add Water: Pour in 1/2 cup of water and stir. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, or until it thickens and the flavors meld together. If the mixture becomes too thick, you can add a little more water to reach your desired consistency.
3. Assemble the Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
- Spread the Filling: Spoon the hot sloppy joe mixture evenly over the garlic bread halves. Make sure to spread it out to cover the entire surface.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the sloppy joe mixture.
- Broil: Place the loaded bread back into the oven, under the broiler, for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
4. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the bread from the oven. Let it cool for a minute or two, then sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful touch.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the garlic bread sloppy joes into individual portions. Serve warm and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes take the traditional sloppy joe and elevate it with the irresistible flavors of garlic bread. Here’s why this recipe is a winner:
- Comforting and Satisfying: The combination of savory, seasoned ground beef with gooey melted cheese on buttery garlic bread is comfort food at its finest.
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of about 20 minutes and a baking time of 10 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a great dish for feeding a family or a group of friends, as the garlic bread makes a hearty base for the sloppy joe mixture.
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Bread: A good Italian bread or even a French baguette works best for this recipe. The crust should be sturdy enough to hold the sloppy joe mixture.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic salt or black pepper based on your taste preferences.
- Add Vegetables: For a more nutritious twist, consider adding finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the sloppy joe filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it before spreading it over the garlic bread.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes are a delightful fusion of two beloved comfort foods. Whether you’re serving them for a casual family dinner or at a fun gathering, they’re sure to be a hit. The crispy, buttery garlic bread paired with the cheesy, flavorful sloppy joe filling creates a dish that’s both comforting and delicious. Enjoy this recipe and savor every bite of this hearty, mouthwatering creation!
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