Name: Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 baguette or loaf of Italian bread; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version); 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 bell pepper, finely chopped (optional); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon); 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)

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Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread

Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread combines two beloved comfort foods: Sloppy Joes and garlic bread! This dish features a garlic butter spread slathered on a crispy baguette, topped with a hearty, savory Sloppy Joe filling. It’s the ultimate indulgent meal—perfect for a quick dinner or a fun twist on traditional Sloppy Joes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes the classic Sloppy Joe and elevates it by serving it on a crispy, buttery garlic bread base. The garlic butter adds an extra layer of flavor, while the savory Sloppy Joe mixture keeps things hearty and satisfying. It’s a one-of-a-kind twist on a comfort food classic that everyone will love!

Ingredients

For the Garlic Bread:

1 baguette or loaf of Italian bread
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Sloppy Joe Filling:

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup tomato sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
Salt and pepper, to taste

For Topping:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Garlic Bread:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the baguette or Italian bread in half lengthwise. Place the bread halves on a baking sheet.
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt.
Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy.

2. Make the Sloppy Joe Filling:

While the garlic bread is baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using), and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
Stir in the ketchup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Let the mixture simmer for about 5-10 minutes, until it thickens and becomes a nice, hearty filling.

3. Assemble the Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread:

Once the garlic bread is done, remove it from the oven.
Spoon the Sloppy Joe filling generously over the garlic bread, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the filling.

4. Bake:

Return the loaded garlic bread to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve:

Let the Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread cool slightly before slicing it into individual servings. Serve with extra pickles or your favorite sides!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. Prep time is about 10 minutes, cook time is about 20 minutes, so total time is around 30 minutes.

Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread

Variations

I like to:

Use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version of the filling.
Add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini to the Sloppy Joe mixture for extra flavor and veggies.
Try different cheese varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack for a different twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, until warmed through and the cheese is melted again.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the Sloppy Joe mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Then, assemble the garlic bread and bake it when ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, you can use any bread you prefer, such as ciabatta, a hoagie roll, or even a large round loaf.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version of the Sloppy Joe filling.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftover Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake from frozen in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until hot and crispy.

Conclusion

Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread is a fun and indulgent twist on the classic Sloppy Joe. The garlic bread base adds so much flavor, and the cheesy, savory Sloppy Joe filling makes it a hearty, satisfying dish. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, and it’s sure to become a favorite comfort food!