Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes

Why Make This Recipe

Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on a classic favorite. Combining the comforting flavors of a classic Sloppy Joe with the buttery, garlicky goodness of Italian bread makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for a quick dinner, game day, or any gathering with friends and family. Plus, it is easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights!

How to Make Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf Italian bread
• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick / 113 g), softened
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 pound ground beef
• ¼ cup yellow onion (chopped)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• ¾ cup ketchup (180 g)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup water
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (113 g), shredded
• 1 cup sharp cheddar (113 g), shredded
• Parsley (chopped for garnish)

Directions:

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the Italian bread in half lengthwise.

Sloppy Joe Filling

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic salt to the melted butter and mix well.
3. Stir in the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned.
5. Drain excess fat.
6. Stir in the garlic powder, yellow mustard, ketchup, kosher salt, black pepper, and water.
7. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens.

Assemble & Bake

1. Spread the garlic butter mixture onto the cut sides of the Italian bread.
2. Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly on top of the bread.
3. Sprinkle the mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese over the filling.
4. Place the assembled bread on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley.

How to Serve Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes

Serve your Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes hot from the oven. They go well with a side salad, potato chips, or French fries. These hearty sandwiches are perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal at home.

How to Store Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes

To store any leftovers, wrap the Sloppy Joes in foil or place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Tips to Make Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes

• Make sure to drain excess fat from the beef to avoid a greasy filling.
• Feel free to add your favorite toppings, such as jalapeños or pickles, for extra flavor.
• Use fresh herbs for garnish to enhance the presentation.

Variation

For a healthier version, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or even a plant-based meat alternative.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes?
Yes, you can freeze the Sloppy Joe mixture without the bread. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and heat it up before assembling with fresh bread.

2. What type of Italian bread is best for this recipe?
A soft Italian hoagie or ciabatta works best. You want something that can hold the filling without falling apart.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Sloppy Joe filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Assemble and bake the garlic bread just before serving.

Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes

A flavorful twist on a classic, these sloppy joes combine savory ground meat with Italian seasonings, served on crispy garlic bread for an irresistible meal.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings 4 sandwiches

Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Baking sheet
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Spatula

Ingredients

  

Sloppy Joe Filling

• 1 lb Ground beef
• 1 medium Onion chopped
• 1 Green bell pepper chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic minced
• 1 can Crushed tomatoes (15 oz)
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp Sugar
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.25 tsp Black pepper
• 0.25 cup Water or beef broth

Garlic Bread

• 1 (16 oz) French bread or Italian loaf
• 0.5 cup Butter softened
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp Dried parsley
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese grated (optional)

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Slice the bread lengthwise, then mix softened butter with garlic powder and parsley. Spread this mixture evenly over both halves of the bread.
• In a large skillet, brown the ground beef, then drain any excess fat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until they are softened.

Cooking

• Stir in minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
• Pour in the water or beef broth, bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
• While the sloppy joe filling is simmering, bake the prepared garlic bread at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until it is golden brown and crispy.

Assembly

• Generously spoon the warm sloppy joe filling onto each half of the crispy garlic bread. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving immediately.

Notes

For extra cheesiness, sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sloppy joe mixture on the garlic bread before baking for a few minutes until melted.