Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines two crowd-pleasing favorites: garlic bread and sloppy joes.
• Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable with optional cheese and spice levels.
• A hearty and satisfying meal that pairs well with a variety of sides.
• Great for serving a crowd or a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Sloppy Joes:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional for topping)

For the Garlic Bread:

• 4 hoagie rolls or large hamburger buns
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional for extra flavor)

Directions

For the Sloppy Joes:

1. Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté the onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent.
3. Make the sloppy joe sauce: Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.

For the Garlic Bread:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, chopped parsley, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Mix until well combined.
3. Prepare the bread: Slice the hoagie rolls or buns in half and spread the garlic butter mixture generously on each side.
4. Bake the garlic bread: Place the bread on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the butter has melted.

Assemble the Sloppy Joes:

1. Top the garlic bread: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom halves of the garlic bread. If using cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top.
2. Broil for extra cheesy goodness (optional): Place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese and toast the top buns.
3. Serve: Close the sandwiches with the top halves of the garlic bread and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 hearty sandwiches
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sloppy joe sauce.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or finely chopped mushrooms.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread: Use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for the garlic bread topping.
• Open-Faced Style: Serve the sloppy joe mixture on just one side of the garlic bread for a lighter option.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Garlic bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in a resealable bag for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the sloppy joe mixture in a skillet or microwave until warm. Warm the garlic bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, you can use French bread, ciabatta, or even regular hamburger buns for this recipe.

2. What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?

Soy sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a dash of vinegar can work as a substitute.

3. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free bread and ensure that your Worcestershire sauce and other condiments are gluten-free.

4. Can I freeze the sloppy joe mixture?

Yes, the sloppy joe mixture freezes well. Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

5. How do I prevent the garlic bread from getting soggy?

Toast the garlic bread slightly before adding the sloppy joe mixture.

6. Can I add vegetables to the sloppy joe mixture?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or shredded carrots make great additions.

7. What’s the best cheese to use for this recipe?

Cheddar and mozzarella are great options, but you can also use provolone or pepper jack for more flavor.

8. Can I make the garlic butter in advance?

Yes, prepare the garlic butter and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

9. Is there a low-carb version of this recipe?

Serve the sloppy joe mixture over low-carb bread or lettuce wraps for a lighter version.

10. Can I make this dish spicy without changing the sauce?

Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce directly on the sloppy joe mixture before serving.

Conclusion

Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes are the perfect combination of bold flavors and comforting textures. The rich, savory sloppy joe filling pairs beautifully with the buttery, garlicky bread, creating a meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining guests, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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