Description
Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread is a delicious fusion recipe combining the savory flavors of a classic Sloppy Joe with the crispy, buttery goodness of garlic bread. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or a comforting meal, this recipe features a spiced ground beef mixture spread generously on toasted French bread, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Bread and Butter
- 1 large loaf French bread (or 2 baguettes, halved lengthwise)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, divided)
Sloppy Joe Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15 recommended)
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (finely diced)
- 1 cup tomato sauce (or Sloppy Joe sauce)
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Cheese Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the French bread lengthwise and place the halves on a parchment-lined baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic and one tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley. Spread this garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
- Cook ground beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the mixture from being greasy.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the finely diced onion, green bell pepper, and remaining minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables become softened and fragrant.
- Add sauces and seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and chili powder if using. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for 5 to 6 minutes, allowing it to thicken into a rich, flavorful Sloppy Joe filling.
- Assemble bread with mixture: Spoon the warm Sloppy Joe mixture evenly over the prepared bread halves. Top the mixture generously with shredded mozzarella and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Bake and broil: Place the assembled bread in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden, slightly crisp top, switch your oven to broil and broil the bread for about 2 minutes—watch closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the garlic bread from the oven, sprinkle with the remaining chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Slice into servings and serve warm for the perfect casual meal or appetizer.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar or a cheese blend for varied flavor.
- To make the bread extra crispy, you can toast the bread halves for 2-3 minutes before adding the Sloppy Joe mixture.
- Adjust the chili powder quantity based on your preferred spice level or omit it for a milder dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.
- Use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
