Of course! Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread is the ultimate comfort food mashup—taking two classics and combining them into one epic, messy, and incredibly delicious meal. It’s perfect for a fun weeknight dinner, game day, or feeding a crowd.
Here’s a simple, crowd-pleasing recipe.
Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread
This recipe is easily customizable with your favorite cheeses and toppings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
· 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
· 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
· ½ green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
· 1 cup your favorite Sloppy Joe sauce (or 1 can of Manwich)
· Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Bread:
· 1 large loaf French or Italian bread (about 12-14 inches long)
· ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, softened
· 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
· 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 2 tsp dried)
· ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Topping:
· 2 cups shredded cheese (a mix of mozzarella and cheddar is perfect)
· Sliced jalapeños, green onions, or pickles for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Make the Sloppy Joe Filling:
· In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened. Drain any excess grease.
· Stir in the Sloppy Joe sauce. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Prepare the Garlic Bread:
· In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese until combined.
· Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of both halves. - Assemble:
· Place the bread halves, garlic-butter-side-up, on the prepared baking sheet.
· Evenly spoon the warm Sloppy Joe mixture over both halves of the bread, spreading it to the edges.
· Generously top with the shredded cheese. - Bake: Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and starting to get golden spots. For extra browning, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes (watch closely!).
- Garnish and Serve:
· Remove from the oven and let it cool for 2-3 minutes (it will be molten hot!).
· Sprinkle with sliced green onions or jalapeños if desired.
· Slice into large pieces and serve immediately. Provide plenty of napkins!
Pro Tips for the Best Results
· Toast the Bread First: For a crisper base that won’t get soggy, you can bake the garlic bread (without the topping) for 5-7 minutes before adding the Sloppy Joe mixture and cheese.
· Homemade Sloppy Joe Sauce: If you don’t have a pre-made sauce, you can make a quick one with 1 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar.
· Drain the Meat Well: Make sure to drain the excess fat from the cooked beef to prevent the final dish from being greasy.
· Customize Your Cheese: Provolone, pepper jack, or even a smoked gouda would be fantastic here.
· Add-Ins: Feel free to stir a can of drained corn, black beans, or a dash of hot sauce into the Sloppy Joe mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
· As a Meal: This is a complete meal in itself! Serve with a simple side salad or some carrot and celery sticks to balance the richness.
· As an Appetizer: Cut the loaf into smaller, slider-sized portions for a fantastic party appetizer.
This dish is the definition of indulgence—cheesy, savory, garlicky, and utterly satisfying. Enjoy