Take your weeknight dinner to the next level with Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Melts! This recipe combines the savory, saucy goodness of a classic Sloppy Joe with the irresistible flavors of cheesy garlic bread. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal that’s ready in no time and will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Combines two favorites: sloppy Joes and garlic bread
- Perfectly cheesy, saucy, and satisfying
- Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients
- Great for busy weeknights or casual gatherings
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- Ground beef
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Ketchup
- Tomato paste
- Worcestershire sauce
- Brown sugar
- Salt and pepper
For the Garlic Bread Base:
- French bread or hoagie rolls, halved
- Butter, melted
- Garlic powder
- Parsley, chopped
- Shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
Find the complete ingredient list and measurements in the recipe card below.
Directions
Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up into crumbles. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Make It Saucy: Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the flavors meld.
Prep the Garlic Bread
- Butter the Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up. Brush with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and parsley.
- Toast the Bread: Bake for 5 minutes, or until lightly toasted.
Assemble the Melts
- Layer the Filling: Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly onto the toasted bread halves.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or provolone generously over the top.
- Melt the Cheese: Return the assembled melts to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy
Slice into individual portions and serve hot. These melts are perfect as is or with a side of salad, fries, or coleslaw.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Choose sturdy bread. French bread or hoagie rolls hold up well under the saucy filling.
- Don’t skimp on the garlic butter. It’s what gives the dish that garlic bread magic.
- Make it extra cheesy. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan or some cheese slices for an even cheesier result.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.
- Veggie Option: Use a plant-based meat alternative or sautéed mushrooms and lentils as the filling.
- Different Cheeses: Try cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix of Italian cheeses for variety.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Melts are a meal on their own, but you can pair them with:
- A crisp green salad
- Homemade potato wedges or sweet potato fries
- A cup of tomato soup for dipping
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftover melts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread crisp.
- Freeze: Freeze the Sloppy Joe filling separately for up to 3 months and assemble fresh when needed.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought garlic bread?
Absolutely! Store-bought garlic bread can save time and works perfectly as the base for this recipe.
2. What’s the best bread to use?
French bread, Italian bread, or hoagie rolls are ideal for their sturdiness and ability to hold the filling.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the Sloppy Joe filling ahead and store it in the fridge. Assemble and bake the melts fresh when ready to serve.
4. Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even grated carrots can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion
Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Melts are a game-changing dinner idea that brings together two comfort food classics. With their garlicky, cheesy goodness and saucy beef filling, they’re sure to be a hit with your family or guests. Try this recipe today and watch it disappear from the table in no time!
Print
Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Melts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2 melts per serving) 1x
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious twist on a classic Sloppy Joe! Savory, tangy beef in a rich tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese and served on buttery, garlic-toasted bread. These Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Melts are perfect for a comforting meal that’s full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 slices of thick-cut bread (such as French bread or Italian bread)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for the garlic butter)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion softens, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
- While the beef mixture simmers, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic. Spread the garlic butter evenly on both sides of each bread slice.
- Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown.
- Once the bread is toasted, spoon a generous amount of the Sloppy Joe mixture onto each slice. Top with a sprinkle of mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Return the sandwiches to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Add pickles or jalapeños for extra flavor and crunch.
- Use different cheese combinations like provolone or Gouda for a unique twist.
- For a healthier version, use whole wheat or gluten-free bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 melts (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 55mg