A bold and comforting twist on the classic Sloppy Joe, this open-faced French bread version combines seasoned ground beef, tangy sauce, and layers of melty cheddar and mozzarella. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing meal, ideal for weeknight dinners, game day, or casual get-togethers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe turns a nostalgic comfort food into an easy, satisfying dish that requires minimal prep. The hearty meat sauce is rich with flavor, the cheese adds gooey indulgence, and the crusty French bread delivers the perfect texture contrast. Plus, it’s customizable, ready in under 30 minutes, and kid-friendly.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 loaf French bread, sliced in half lengthwise
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain any excess grease.
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Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
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Place the French bread halves on the prepared baking sheet, cut side up.
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Spoon the sloppy joe mixture evenly over each half of the bread.
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Top with a mixture of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish with chopped parsley. Slice and serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4–6 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
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Sweet twist: Stir in a tablespoon of brown sugar for a slightly sweet Sloppy Joe base.
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Different cheeses: Use provolone, pepper jack, or Swiss in place of cheddar and mozzarella.
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Use mini rolls: Make individual Sloppy Joe sliders with dinner rolls or sandwich buns.
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Vegetarian option: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes until heated through. For best texture, avoid microwaving the bread for too long, as it can become soggy.
FAQs
What kind of bread works best for this recipe?
A standard French bread loaf is ideal because it holds up well to the toppings, but Italian bread or ciabatta can also be used.
Can I prepare the meat mixture in advance?
Yes, the beef mixture can be cooked and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before assembling.
Is it possible to freeze this recipe?
Yes. Freeze the assembled (but unbaked) bread, wrapped tightly, for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken are both lighter alternatives and work well with the same seasonings.
How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
Lightly toasting the bread before adding the meat mixture can help prevent sogginess.
What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
Soy sauce with a splash of vinegar or a bit of steak sauce can serve as a substitute.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free loaf of bread and ensure the sauces used are gluten-free.
How spicy is the original recipe?
The recipe is mild as written, but spice can be added with hot sauce or chili flakes to taste.
Can I make this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use multiple loaves of bread. It’s easy to scale.
What sides go well with Sloppy Joe French Bread?
Serve with a simple salad, coleslaw, or baked potato wedges for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Cheesy Sloppy Joe French Bread is a deliciously messy, satisfying dish that blends nostalgic flavors with a modern twist. It’s a quick and easy recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it a perfect solution for busy nights, parties, or weekend treats.
Print
Cheesy Sloppy Joe French Bread
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A bold and comforting twist on the classic Sloppy Joe, served open-faced on French bread and topped with seasoned beef and melty cheeses for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, sliced in half lengthwise
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
- Place French bread halves on the baking sheet, cut side up. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture evenly over each half.
- Top with a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use day-old French bread for better texture and crispness.
- Customize the sauce with hot sauce or chili flakes for extra spice.
- Can be made ahead and baked just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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