Ingredients:
1 loaf of Italian or French bread (preferably a thick, crusty loaf)
1 lb ground beef or turkey (your choice)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
Instructions:
Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling:
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey.
Break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain excess fat if needed.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to a sloppy Joe consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
Prepare the Garlic Bread:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise, creating two long pieces. Place them on a baking sheet, cut-side up.
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
Toast the bread in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant.
Assemble the Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread:
Once the bread is toasted, spoon a generous amount of the sloppy Joe mixture onto each half, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese (if using) over the sloppy Joes.
Return the bread to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Slice into pieces and serve hot.
Description:
Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread combines the bold, tangy flavor of Sloppy Joes with the savory crunch of garlic bread and gooey melted cheese. It’s a fusion of two comfort food classics, making it the ultimate dish for a cozy night in or when you want to impress guests with something different. The rich, savory filling is perfectly complemented by the buttery, garlicky bread, creating a combination that will leave you coming back for more.
Tips:
For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sloppy Joe mixture for a bit of heat.
You can use ground chicken or vegetarian protein as a substitute for ground beef if you prefer a lighter version.
If you don’t have mozzarella, provolone or any mild, melty cheese will work perfectly.
For a crispier garlic bread, broil the bread for a minute or two after assembling, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Variations:
BBQ Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread: Swap the tomato-based sauce for BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
Vegetarian Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread: Use a plant-based protein or lentils in place of the ground beef for a vegetarian version.
Cheesy Beef and Bacon Garlic
Bread: Add crispy bacon bits to the sloppy Joe mixture for added crunch and flavor.
Corrections:
If you find the sloppy Joe mixture too runny, let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid and thicken.
If the garlic bread is not to your desired crispness, increase the broil time for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Enjoy! Now that you’ve made this delicious and cheesy creation, take a moment to enjoy every bite! The combination of flavors and textures will surely satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.