Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread
Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread is a fun twist on two classic favorites—juicy, saucy Sloppy Joe filling piled high on crispy, buttery garlic bread. The rich ground beef mixture with tangy…
Tip: save now, cook later.Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread is a fun twist on two classic favorites—juicy, saucy Sloppy Joe filling piled high on crispy, buttery garlic bread. The rich ground beef mixture with tangy tomato sauce pairs perfectly with the crunchy, garlicky bread, making every bite a tasty, messy treat.
I love making this when I want something easy but special. It’s a great way to serve Sloppy Joes without the hassle of buns, and the garlic bread adds a delicious crunch and extra flavor that everyone ends up loving. I usually double the sauce so there’s plenty to spoon over the bread and soak in all the garlic goodness.
When we have game nights or casual get-togethers, this recipe is always a hit because it’s super simple to share and eat with your hands. Plus, I find that adding a little melted cheese on top takes it to a whole new level of yum. It’s the kind of dish that makes you smile with every bite and is perfect for feeding a crowd or treating yourself on a cozy night in.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the Sloppy Joe topping. You can swap it for ground turkey or plant-based mince if you want a lighter or vegetarian option. Just cook the substitute the same way for best results.
Bread: Italian or French bread works great here for its sturdy crust and soft inside. If you can’t find those, a sturdy sourdough or ciabatta loaf will hold the toppings well and get nicely crisp.
Garlic Butter: The garlic butter adds amazing flavor to the bread. Use fresh garlic for the best punch, but garlic powder can be a quick alternative in a pinch.
Cheese: Cheddar melts well and gives a nice sharpness. Mixing cheddar with mozzarella makes it extra gooey. Feel free to try other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or provolone if you prefer.
How Do You Get the Garlic Bread Crispy Without Burning It?
Broiling the garlic bread can be tricky—you want it golden and crispy but not burnt. Here’s how to manage that:
- Spread the garlic butter evenly but don’t overload the bread; too much butter can cause burning.
- Keep the oven rack a bit lower than the top for gentler heat.
- Watch the bread closely during broiling and check every 1-2 minutes.
- Once you see the edges turn golden, remove it before adding cheese and topping.
- After adding toppings, broil briefly just to melt cheese and warm the meat.
Patience and attention make all the difference to get that perfect crisp crust without drying or burning the loaf.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for cooking the ground beef and sauce evenly.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – helps break up the meat and stir without scratching your skillet.
- Baking sheet – holds the bread halves for broiling and catching any drips.
- Small bowl – for mixing the garlic butter easily before spreading.
- Cheese grater – makes shredding cheese quick and mess-free.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner version.
- Stir in some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions to add texture and veggies.
- Use pepper jack or spicy cheddar cheese for a bit of a kick.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the Sloppy Joe mix if you like it spicy.
Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sloppy Joe Mixture:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For The Garlic Bread:
- 1 loaf Italian or French bread, sliced in half lengthwise
- ¼ cup (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (for garlic butter)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the beef mixture and garlic butter, plus 10 minutes to broil the bread with toppings. Overall, you’ll need around 25-30 minutes from start to finish to have this delicious dish ready to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is browned and onions are soft, about 6-8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook 1 more minute until fragrant.
Then, stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens nicely. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
2. Prepare the Garlic Bread:
While the sloppy joe mixture simmers, preheat your oven broiler. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter and minced garlic. Spread this garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of the bread halves.
Place the bread on a baking sheet with the garlic butter side facing up. Broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely, until the edges start to toast and the butter melts.
3. Assemble and Broil:
Take the bread out of the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top. Spoon the warm sloppy joe meat generously over the cheese layer.
Put the baking sheet back under the broiler for 3-5 minutes more, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is golden brown around the edges.
Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions, slice into pieces, and serve warm for a tasty, cheesy, and satisfying treat!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the ground beef completely in the fridge overnight before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and avoids excess moisture in the skillet.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the sloppy joe mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat the mixture, then assemble and broil the garlic bread fresh for best texture and flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sloppy joe mixture and garlic bread separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the sloppy joe on the stove and refresh the garlic bread quickly under the broiler before serving.
What Can I Use Instead of Italian Bread?
A sturdy bread like sourdough, ciabatta, or French baguette works well if you don’t have Italian bread. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold the toppings without getting too soggy.