Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread
Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread is a fun and messy twist on two classic favorites! Imagine the rich, saucy ground beef filling of a sloppy joe piled high on warm, crispy…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
Tip: save now, make later.
Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread is a fun and messy twist on two classic favorites! Imagine the rich, saucy ground beef filling of a sloppy joe piled high on warm, crispy garlic bread. The garlic bread gives just the right amount of crunch and buttery flavor, while the sloppy joe mix adds a delicious, tangy, and slightly sweet kick that everyone loves.
I like making this when I want something easy but exciting for dinner or a casual get-together. The best part for me is how you can skip the usual sandwich bun and still get all the sloppy joe goodness on something crispy and flavorful. Plus, it’s perfect for dipping in any extra sauce that spills over — and trust me, there’s always some tasty sauce!
When serving, I usually pair it with a simple side salad or some crunchy pickles to balance out all the richness. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser if you have kids or friends coming over because everyone can grab a piece and enjoy. Making sloppy joe garlic bread is one of those meals that feels cozy and special but comes together in no time, which is always a win in my book.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: A crusty French or Italian loaf works best here. It gives a nice crunchy base that holds the sloppy joe topping. If you prefer, thick sandwich bread or even a sturdy baguette can work well too.
Ground Beef: Classic sloppy joes call for lean ground beef. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian take.
Tomato ingredients: The ketchup and tomato paste bring tang and thickness. If you want a less sweet sauce, replace ketchup with tomato sauce and adjust sweetness with a little honey or brown sugar.
Cheese: Mozzarella and cheddar blend melts beautifully here, adding creamy texture and flavor. Feel free to use Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend as an alternative.
Garlic Butter Spread: Combining butter with fresh minced garlic creates that classic garlic bread flavor and richness. If you need a dairy-free option, olive oil with garlic works too.
How Can I Get Crispy Garlic Bread Without Burning the Topping?
To keep garlic bread crispy under a moist sloppy joe topping and melted cheese, follow these tips:
- Toast bread first: Bake the buttered and garlicky bread before adding the sloppy joe mixture. This helps the bread get firm and less likely to get soggy.
- Drain excess liquid: When cooking your ground beef mixture, simmer until thickened so it won’t be too watery on the bread.
- Use moderate oven temp: Bake the topped bread at 375°F to melt cheese without overcooking the bread’s surface.
- Watch closely: Broil for the last 1-2 minutes if you want bubbly, browned cheese, but stay nearby to avoid burning.
Following these steps makes sure you end up with a perfect balance of crispy garlic bread, rich sloppy joe topping, and gooey melted cheese every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for toasting the garlic bread and baking the assembled dish evenly.
- Large skillet – helps you cook and brown the ground beef and veggies all in one pan.
- Mixing bowl – handy for blending the garlic butter before spreading it on the bread.
- Spoon or spatula – great for stirring the sloppy joe mixture and spreading it on the bread.
- Cheese grater – makes shredding mozzarella and cheddar quick and easy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to lighten up the meal while keeping the saucy texture.
- Add diced mushrooms to the sloppy joe mix for extra earthiness and bulk.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for a bit of spicy heat that pairs nicely with the sauce.
- Stir in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the meat mixture for those who like it spicy.
Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread and Garlic Butter:
- 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread
- 4 tbsp butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely diced (optional)
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed
This meal takes about 10 minutes to prepare your ingredients, 10 minutes to toast the garlic bread, 15 minutes to cook the sloppy joe mixture and assemble, and about 10 minutes of baking with cheese. Total time: approximately 45 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep and Toast the Garlic Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice your loaf of bread in half lengthwise and place it cut side up on a baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the minced garlic until combined. Spread this garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of the bread. Toast it in the oven for about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s lightly golden and crisp.
2. Make the Sloppy Joe Mixture
While the bread is toasting, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Add chopped onion and optional bell pepper, cooking until softened (about 3 to 4 minutes). Stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and flavorful.
3. Assemble and Bake
Remove the toasted garlic bread from the oven. Spread the sloppy joe mixture evenly over the toasted sides of the bread. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly on top. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. When ready, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top. Cut into squares and serve warm.
Enjoy your Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread with pickles, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for a delicious and comforting meal!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for the Sloppy Joe Mixture?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost function on your microwave before cooking. Cooking from frozen may result in uneven browning.
Can I Prepare the Sloppy Joe Mixture Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the sloppy joe mixture a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready, reheat gently on the stove before spreading over the garlic bread.
How Should I Store Leftover Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to keep the bread from drying out.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have French or Italian Bread?
Thick-sliced sandwich bread, a sturdy baguette, or even thick rolls can work as substitutes. Just toast them well to get a crispy base to hold the sloppy joe topping.