Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread

Introduction:
Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread combines two beloved comfort foods into one deliciously indulgent dish. This recipe starts with a savory, meaty Sloppy Joe filling, topped with gooey melted cheese and spread over a crispy, buttery garlic bread base. It’s the perfect dish for a weeknight dinner, a game day snack, or a fun twist on classic garlic bread. The combination of flavors and textures will leave your taste buds craving more!
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Bread:
1 loaf French bread or Italian bread
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt to taste
For the Cheese Topping:
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Add the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using) to the pan. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if using).
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and let the mixture simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
Prepare the Garlic Bread:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the loaf of French bread in half lengthwise.
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt.
Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
Assemble the Dish:
Place the garlic bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.
Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture generously over the garlic bread halves, spreading it evenly.
Top with the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the bread are golden brown.
Optional: For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese starts to brown slightly.
Serve:
Slice the cheesy Sloppy Joe garlic bread into pieces and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Description:
Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread is a hearty, savory, and cheesy delight that brings together the classic flavors of Sloppy Joes and garlic bread. The tender, well-seasoned meat is balanced perfectly with the rich, gooey cheese and the buttery, garlicky bread. Every bite is a satisfying combination of flavors and textures, making it a great dish for casual get-togethers, family dinners, or as a delicious snack.
Tips:
For extra flavor: Try adding a few tablespoons of finely chopped pickles or jalapeños to the Sloppy Joe mixture for some tangy crunch or heat.
Make it lighter: Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef to cut down on the fat content.
Customize the cheese: You can experiment with different cheeses like provolone, gouda, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick.
Leftovers: The Sloppy Joe mixture keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it and serve it on fresh garlic bread for a second round!
Garlic bread alternatives: If you don’t have French or Italian bread, any hearty bread or baguette can work for this recipe.
Corrections:
If you’re aiming for a less greasy version, you can drain the excess fat after browning the beef.
If the bread is too soft in the middle after baking, consider toasting the garlic bread halves before assembling the Sloppy Joe mixture.
Enjoy your Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread!