If you’re craving comfort food with a bold, mouthwatering twist, look no further than Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes. This recipe takes the nostalgic flavor of classic sloppy joes and kicks it up a notch by serving the hearty meat mixture on toasted garlic bread, all blanketed in gooey, melted cheese. It’s fast, filling, and destined to be a new family favorite.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a quick weeknight dinner, this dish delivers big flavor with simple ingredients. Here’s everything you need to make it happen.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Bread:
- 1 loaf Italian bread
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ¼ cup chopped yellow onion
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup water
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
Step 1: Prep the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Bread
Slice the Italian loaf in half lengthwise and place both halves, cut side up, on the baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with garlic salt. Spread the garlic butter evenly over the bread. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Sloppy Joe Filling
In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onions until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess grease.
Step 4: Add the Flavor
Stir in garlic powder, mustard, ketchup, salt, pepper, and water. Mix well and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Assemble the Sloppy Joes
Spoon the meat mixture evenly over the prepared garlic bread. Top with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the bread is golden brown.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven, slice into portions, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Serving Ideas & Storage Tips
- Pair with a crisp green salad or a side of fries for a satisfying meal.
- Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Make It Your Own
- Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Want a kick? Add sliced jalapeños before baking.
- Customize with toppings like olives, fresh basil, or red pepper flakes.
Pro Tips from the Pros
- Rachael Ray recommends mixing different cheeses for extra depth of flavor.
- Gordon Ramsay suggests lightly toasting the bread before adding the filling to prevent sogginess.
- Bobby Flay loves finishing dishes with fresh herbs like parsley or basil to brighten the final bite.
Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes are comfort food with a flavorful twist, perfect for busy nights or casual get-togethers. Easy to make and impossible to resist, they’re bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
