A delicious mash-up of two comfort food favorites—savory, saucy ground beef loaded onto crispy garlic bread and topped with bubbling layers of melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or anytime you want something messy, cheesy, and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe takes the beloved sloppy joe filling and transforms it into a shareable, easy-to-eat garlic bread dish that combines rich, hearty flavors with a crisp, buttery base. It’s a fun and crowd-pleasing twist on traditional sloppy joes, perfect for casual meals or gatherings. The blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese melts to perfection, adding creamy, gooey texture that complements the savory meat sauce. It’s quick to prepare and ideal for those who love bold, comforting flavors with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce or sloppy joe sauce
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 loaf French bread, halved lengthwise
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in garlic, tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Place bread halves on a baking sheet. Mix butter with garlic powder and brush over the cut sides.
- Bake bread for 5 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Spoon sloppy joe mixture evenly over bread. Top with mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Return to oven and bake for 8–10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the meat mixture for extra flavor and heat.
- Substitute the French bread with a baguette or ciabatta for different textures.
- Use a blend of cheeses such as Monterey Jack or provolone for a different cheese profile.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based meat substitutes.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover sloppy joe garlic bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8–10 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted again. Avoid microwaving as it may make the bread soggy.
FAQs
Can I prepare the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time?
Yes, the meat mixture can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Can I freeze the cheesy sloppy joe garlic bread?
It is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the meat mixture separately for up to 3 months.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
French bread, baguette, or ciabatta all work well due to their sturdy texture.
Can I use pre-made sloppy joe sauce?
Yes, pre-made sauce can be substituted for convenience.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, but you can add spices or jalapeños for heat if desired.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese and omit butter or substitute with a dairy-free alternative.
How do I prevent the bread from becoming soggy?
To avoid sogginess, toast the bread before adding the meat mixture and cheese.
Can I add vegetables to the meat mixture?
Yes, finely diced vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions work well.
How long does the cheesy sloppy joe garlic bread stay fresh?
Best consumed within 2 days when stored properly.
Can I make individual servings?
Yes, simply cut the bread into smaller pieces before assembling.
Conclusion
Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread is a fun and flavorful twist on classic sloppy joes, combining the hearty meat sauce with crisp garlic bread and melted cheese. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, this dish delivers comforting, cheesy satisfaction that is sure to become a family favorite or party hit.
Print
Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Snack / Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing and baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A delicious mash-up of two comfort food favorites—savory, saucy ground beef loaded onto crispy garlic bread and topped with bubbling layers of melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or anytime you want something messy, cheesy, and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce or sloppy joe sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 loaf French bread, halved lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in garlic, tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Place bread halves on a baking sheet. Mix butter with garlic powder and brush over the cut sides.
- Bake bread for 5 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Spoon sloppy joe mixture evenly over bread. Top with mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Return to oven and bake for 8–10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use French bread or any crusty bread for best results.
- Adjust seasoning of sloppy joe mixture to taste.
- For extra flavor, add sliced jalapeños or green onions as toppings.
- Serve immediately to enjoy crispy bread and gooey cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
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