Looking for a hearty, flavorful meal that combines the comfort of garlic bread with the savory goodness of sloppy joes? Look no further than this Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes recipe! This delicious dish puts a creative spin on a classic comfort food, turning your regular sloppy joes into a flavorful sandwich that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner, family gathering, or casual party.
With thick-cut garlic bread as the base and a rich, savory sloppy joe filling, topped with melty cheese, these sloppy joes are bound to become your new favorite meal.
Ingredients for Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
Let’s get started with the ingredients you’ll need for this indulgent recipe:
For the Garlic Bread:
- 4 slices of thick-cut French bread or Italian bread: Use your favorite type of bread for a hearty base that will hold the savory filling.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened): The butter will be the base for the garlic flavor and crisp up the bread.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic is the key flavor in the garlic bread, giving it a punch of savory goodness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped): Fresh parsley adds a touch of color and brightness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances the garlic flavor and brings everything together.
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef: The beef forms the heart of the sloppy joe filling.
- 1 small onion (diced): Onion adds a sweet and savory flavor to the filling.
- 1/2 green bell pepper (diced): Bell peppers bring a slight crunch and fresh flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Extra garlic enhances the overall flavor profile of the sloppy joe mix.
- 1/2 cup ketchup: Ketchup brings sweetness and tang to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Tomato paste adds depth and richness to the sloppy joe mixture.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: A touch of Worcestershire sauce brings umami and complexity to the filling.
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard: Mustard gives a tangy kick that balances the richness of the beef.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a hint of smokiness and warmth.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance the flavor of the filling.
Optional Toppings:
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese: Add a cheesy, gooey topping for a delicious finish.
How to Make Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making these Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes.
Prepare the Garlic Butter for the Bread
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt. Stir until well mixed and the garlic butter is creamy.
Toast the Garlic Bread
- Preheat your broiler on high.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture generously over one side of each bread slice.
- Place the slices on a baking sheet and broil them for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Be sure to keep an eye on the bread to avoid burning.
- Once toasted, remove the bread from the oven and set aside.
Cook the Sloppy Joe Filling
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until it’s fully cooked and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Assemble the Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
- Spoon the sloppy joe filling generously over the toasted garlic bread slices.
- If you’d like, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese over the top of the filling for a cheesy, gooey topping.
Melt the Cheese (Optional)
- Place the assembled garlic bread sloppy joes back under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve
- Serve the garlic bread sloppy joes hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired, and enjoy this deliciously comforting meal.
Tips for Making Perfect Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
Use Thick-Cut Bread
For the best texture and presentation, use thick-cut French or Italian bread. The sturdy bread slices will soak up the sloppy joe filling without becoming soggy.
Adjust the Sloppy Joe Sauce
If you prefer your sloppy joe filling spicier, feel free to add a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding more or less ketchup.
Make It Extra Cheesy
If you love cheese, you can add more than just the optional mozzarella or cheddar. Try a blend of cheeses like provolone, pepper jack, or even a sharp Parmesan for extra flavor.
Add Pickles for Extra Crunch
For a nice contrast of flavors, top your sloppy joes with dill pickle slices or pickled jalapeños to bring in a tangy crunch that cuts through the richness.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4 servings
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make the sloppy joe filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sloppy joe filling ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before assembling the garlic bread sloppy joes.
Can I use a different type of bread for the garlic bread?
Absolutely! You can use any type of hearty bread, like ciabatta, sourdough, or baguette, for a different twist.
What other toppings can I add to garlic bread sloppy joes?
You can add toppings like sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or crispy bacon to make the dish even more indulgent.
Can I make this recipe with ground turkey or chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover sloppy joes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the filling and toast fresh garlic bread when ready to serve.
Conclusion
Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes are the ultimate comfort food dish, combining the rich flavors of sloppy joe filling with the crispy, garlicky goodness of toasted bread. This recipe is simple to make and sure to please everyone at your table. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, these sloppy joes are guaranteed to be a hit.
Enjoy this creative twist on a classic favorite that’s packed with flavor, cheese, and all the comforting goodness you crave.