Name: Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Sloppy Joe Filling: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, finely diced; 1/2 green bell pepper, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon mustard; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional); For the Cheesy Garlic Bread: 1 loaf French bread or sub rolls, halved lengthwise; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped); 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Imagine this: a hearty, flavorful sloppy joe filling sandwiched between two pieces of crispy, buttery garlic bread, loaded with melted cheese. Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes are the ultimate comfort food, bringing all the deliciousness of a classic sloppy joe with a twist. This recipe takes the humble sloppy joe to a whole new level by serving it on golden, garlicky, cheese-covered bread that will make you wonder why you didn’t think of this sooner. Trust me, you’re going to want to make these again and again!

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes

Here’s why this is the perfect dish for your next family dinner, game day, or casual get-together:

It’s All About the Flavor

The combination of savory sloppy joe filling and the rich, buttery, garlicky bread is nothing short of magical. Add in the melted cheese, and you’ve got a sandwich that delivers layers of flavor with every bite. It’s a winning combo, and every bite is so satisfying.

Comfort Food Done Right

Sloppy joes already scream comfort food, but by serving them on cheesy garlic bread, we’re taking it to the next level. The gooey cheese, crispy bread, and tender, flavorful filling will hit all your cravings.

Easy to Make

This recipe takes all the best elements of a sloppy joe and turns it into an elevated yet simple meal. The sloppy joe filling is cooked in one pan, and the garlic bread is made easily in the oven. It’s quick, straightforward, and totally foolproof.

Perfect for All Occasions

Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner, a laid-back weekend lunch, or even a fun party treat, these Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes work for all occasions. Serve them with some crispy fries, a salad, or just on their own—you’ll be the hero of any gathering.

Ingredients

You’ll need just a few basic ingredients to make these Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes, but together they create the perfect balance of flavors:

For the Sloppy Joe Filling:

Ground Beef (or Turkey): The base of your sloppy joe. You’ll want a meat that can soak up all the delicious sauce and give you that rich, hearty flavor.
Onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the filling.

Garlic: You can never have enough garlic, especially when making something as flavorful as this.
Tomato Sauce and Ketchup: The classic sloppy joe base, tangy and sweet.
Worcestershire Sauce: A key ingredient for that umami kick that makes sloppy joes irresistible.

Brown Sugar: A hint of sweetness balances the tanginess of the sauce.
Seasonings: Chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper bring everything together.

For the Cheesy Garlic Bread:

French Bread: Choose a loaf of fresh French bread to create the base for your cheesy garlic goodness.

Butter: For that luscious garlic butter spread.
Garlic Powder: The essential flavor for your garlic bread.
Shredded Mozzarella and Cheddar: For the gooey, melty cheese that takes this sandwich to a whole new level.

Parsley: Fresh parsley for garnish (optional, but adds a nice fresh touch).

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get started with these irresistible Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes:

Step 1: Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once the meat is browned, drain any excess grease if necessary.

Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer together on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens up and the flavors meld together.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesy Garlic Bread

While the sloppy joe filling is simmering, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the French bread into thick pieces, about 1 to 1 ½ inches wide, and lay them on a baking sheet.

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Spread this garlic butter mixture generously onto each slice of bread.

Top each slice with a handful of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Pop the bread into the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Step 3: Assemble the Sloppy Joes

Once the garlic bread is done and your sloppy joe filling is ready, it’s time to assemble. Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe filling onto the cheesy garlic bread slices. If you want extra cheesy goodness, feel free to add more shredded cheese on top of the filling.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serve these Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes hot, and enjoy the crispy, cheesy, saucy goodness with every bite. You can garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, but trust me, they’re delicious just as they are!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 560 kcal
Total Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 1200mg
Total Carbohydrates: 49g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 11g
Protein: 28g

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes

These Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes are perfect for any occasion, and they pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:

With Crispy Fries

Fries and sloppy joes are a classic combo. Try serving with crispy French fries, sweet potato fries, or even onion rings.

With a Fresh Salad

A simple side salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the sloppy joes.

With Coleslaw

Creamy coleslaw makes a great addition to these sandwiches. The crunch and tang complement the rich, cheesy filling perfectly.

As a Standalone

Sometimes, the sandwich itself is all you need! But feel free to serve it as part of a larger spread for a fun and filling meal.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make sure your Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes turn out perfectly every time:

Make it Spicy

If you love a little heat, add some hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sloppy joe filling for an extra kick.

Use a Variety of Cheeses

Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses. Provolone, gouda, or even a sharp cheddar would work wonderfully in this recipe.

Make it Ahead

You can prepare the sloppy joe filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the filling and assemble your sandwiches with fresh garlic bread.

Make it Vegetarian

Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or lentils to create a vegetarian version of these cheesy garlic bread sloppy joes. The flavors will still shine!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of bread for the garlic bread?
A1: Yes! You can use any bread you like, such as Italian bread, baguette, or even sandwich buns. French bread, however, gives the best texture for this recipe.

Q2: Can I freeze the sloppy joe filling?
A2: Absolutely! The sloppy joe filling freezes really well. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: Can I make this without cheese?
A3: While cheese adds a rich, melty element to the dish, you can certainly skip it if you prefer. The sloppy joe filling is still delicious without it.

Q4: Can I use turkey instead of beef?
A4: Yes, ground turkey or chicken works just as well as ground beef in this recipe. It will give a slightly lighter version of the sandwich but still be flavorful.

Q5: Can I add extra vegetables to the sloppy joe filling?
A5: Yes, feel free to add finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even carrots for some extra texture and flavor in the filling.

Q6: How do I keep the bread crispy?
A6: To keep the bread crispy, be sure not to over-toast it in the oven. You want the cheese to melt without the bread getting too soggy.

Q7: Can I use homemade garlic bread?
A7: Absolutely! If you have your own homemade garlic bread recipe, go ahead and use it. The flavor will be even more amazing!

Q8: Can I make the garlic bread ahead of time?
A8: Yes, you can prepare the garlic bread ahead of time, and then bake it just before serving to melt the cheese.

Q9: How do I store leftovers?
A9: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven to keep the bread crispy and the filling hot.

Q10: Can I make these sloppy joes spicier?
A10: Yes! You can add hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or chili flakes to give the filling a spicy twist.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes are an upgrade to the classic sloppy joe that you’ll absolutely love. They’re packed with flavor, comfort, and that irresistible garlic-butter cheesy goodness. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick dinner or a fun gathering with friends. Don’t be surprised if these become a regular in your dinner rotation!

Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes