Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes are a delightful twist on the classic sloppy joe. Combining the comforting flavors of a traditional sloppy joe with the irresistible taste of garlic bread, this dish is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. You get the hearty, satisfying filling in a crispy, buttery garlic bread shell—a combination that’s both satisfying and indulgent.
Why We Love This Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes Recipe
There are countless reasons to love this recipe. First and foremost, it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser. The combination of tender ground beef, savory seasonings, and melted cheese encased in buttery garlic bread speaks to the heart of comfort food. It’s not only incredibly tasty but also easy to make, allowing you to whip up a satisfying meal without extending your time in the kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile—great for a family dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or even a game-day snack. Each bite of this delightful dish brings a burst of flavors that you won’t forget.
If you’re looking to try something that supersedes the regular sloppy joe recipe, you’re in for a treat. This unique take adds an extra layer of richness and flavor that will leave you coming back for more. Everyone loves garlic bread, and when it comes paired with sloppy joes, it takes it to a whole new level. Your taste buds will thank you, and your family will request this dish over and over again.
Ingredients about Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
To prepare Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes, you need to gather some basic yet essential ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 loaf Italian bread
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup yellow onion, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
With these ingredients on hand, you’re well on your way to making a sumptuous Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes that will impress everyone at your table.
How to Make Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes Directions
Making Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes is an enjoyable process that brings together simple steps to create a mouthwatering dish. Here’s how to do it:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This sets the stage for perfectly toasted garlic bread.
Prep the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help keep your garlic bread from sticking and make for easy cleanup.
Slice the Bread: Take your loaf of Italian bread and slice it lengthwise into two halves. Place both halves cut-side up on the baking sheet, ready for the next delicious steps.
Mix the Butter and Garlic Salt: In a small bowl, combine your softened unsalted butter and garlic salt. Mix them until well combined, creating a tasty spread.
Spread the Mixture: Generously spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread. Make sure to cover it evenly for that delicious garlic flavor in every bite.
Cook the Meat and Onion: In a medium skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped yellow onion. Cook this mixture, stirring, until the beef is no longer pink, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain any excess grease.
Combine the Seasonings: Now it’s time to enhance the flavors. Stir in the garlic powder, yellow mustard, ketchup, kosher salt, black pepper, and water into the meat mixture. Make sure everything is well combined. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes so that the flavors meld.
Build Your Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes: Divide the comforting sloppy joe mixture over each half of the garlic bread. Spread it out evenly, ensuring that each piece gets a hearty portion of the filling.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese generously over both halves. This cheesy layer will melt beautifully, adding that gooey, melty goodness.
Bake: Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 12-14 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Your kitchen will start to smell divine!
Garnish and Slice: Once baked to perfection, remove your Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes from the oven. Cut each half into manageable pieces and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
How to Serve Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
When it comes to serving your Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes, keep it simple yet mouth-watering. You can serve them on individual plates for a more formal dining experience or lay them out on a large platter for a casual gathering. Either way, they look as good as they taste!
Consider serving them with some crunchy pickles or a light salad on the side for a refreshing contrast. Crispy potato chips also make a delightful pairing if you’re aiming for something quick and easy. To elevate the meal further, think about providing some homemade coleslaw or sweet potato fries. These sides complement the richness of the sloppy joes while adding lots of flavors and textures to your plate.
Don’t forget about the drinks! A refreshing lemonade or iced tea pairs wonderfully with this delicious dish and hydrates wonderfully, making your meal even more enjoyable. Enjoy each bite, relish in the flavors, and get ready for everyone to ask for seconds!
Expert Tips: Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
For the best possible Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for a fresh loaf of Italian bread. You want it to have a nice crust that becomes deliciously crispy in the oven.
- Adjust the Spice: Feel free to tweak the seasoning in the meat mixture. If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce.
- Cooking the Meat: Make sure to drain the excess grease from the ground beef. This will ensure your finished sloppy joes are not greasy and allow the flavors to shine through.
- Use Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a beautiful touch but also enhances the dish’s flavor profile.
- Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella and sharp cheddar are fantastic choices, consider mixing in some pepper jack for a spicy kick or even using provolone for a different flavor.
How to Store Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
If you happen to have any leftovers (though this is unlikely!), you can store Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes easily. To keep them fresh, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator, where they will last for up to three days.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual pieces for a quicker option, but keep in mind that this may make the garlic bread less crispy.
Variation of Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
Exploring variations of Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes can elevate this dish even more! Here are a few ideas to spice things up:
- Switch the Meat: Instead of using ground beef, try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. The flavors will still be delicious.
- Make It Vegetarian: For a vegetarian take, substitute the meat with cooked lentils or a mixture of diced vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini. Add extra seasonings to ensure flavorfulness.
- Load It Up: Add extra toppings like sliced jalapeños, avocado, or even pineapple for sweetness. The possibilities are endless!
- Add Sauce: Experiment with different sauces. Barbecue sauce instead of ketchup can bring a sweet and tangy element to the dish.
FAQ about Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
What are Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes?
Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes are a delicious fusion of classic sloppy joes served on buttered and toasted garlic bread, making for a savory and satisfying meal.
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While Italian bread works great, you can use other types such as French bread or any hearty sandwich loaf.
What can I serve with Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes?
Many sides pair well with this dish, such as salad, chips, or fries. Feel free to get creative with your sides!
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Adding crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or spicy mustard to the meat mixture can give your Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes a kick.
Can I freeze Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes?
Yes! Assemble but do not bake them, then wrap tightly and freeze. When you’re ready to cook, simply thaw and bake as directed.
Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
For the Garlic Bread
- 1 loaf Italian bread Fresh for best results
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened To create a garlic spread
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt For flavoring the bread
For the Sloppy Joe Filling
- 1 pound ground beef Cooked until no longer pink
- 1/4 cup yellow onion, chopped Add to meat mixture
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup water To mix with the filling
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Parsley chopped For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the Italian bread lengthwise into two halves and place cut-side up on the baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter and garlic salt; mix until well combined.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
Cooking the Filling
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is no longer pink, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in garlic powder, yellow mustard, ketchup, kosher salt, black pepper, and water into the meat mixture. Mix well and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
Assembling
- Divide the sloppy joe mixture over each half of the garlic bread.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese over both halves.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and cut into manageable pieces.