Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread is a fun and flavorful twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich. By combining the savory beef mixture with garlic buttered ciabatta and melted cheese, it creates a comforting meal perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 ciabatta loaf
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ cup yellow onion (finely diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 ½ cups ketchup
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Slice the ciabatta loaf in half lengthwise. Spread the softened butter evenly over both halves, then sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Heat a Dutch oven or skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, then cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
4. Step 4: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Stir in ketchup, water, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine, then cover the skillet with a lid.
6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Step 7: Evenly divide the sloppy joe mixture between the two ciabatta halves. Top each with shredded mozzarella and cheddar. Place the halves on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread edges are golden brown.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven, slice, and serve warm. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, use fresh garlic cloves instead of garlic powder when preparing the butter spread.
• To make it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sloppy joe mixture while simmering.
• Try different cheeses like pepper jack or provolone for a unique twist.
• Leftover sloppy joe mixture can be used as a filling for wraps or tacos.

Storage

Store any leftover sloppy joe garlic bread covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and the bread regains some crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Yes, while ciabatta works well for its sturdy texture, you can also use French bread, sourdough, or even thick sandwich rolls to hold the sloppy joe mixture.

Can I prepare the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can make the sloppy joe filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove before assembling and baking the garlic bread.

Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 111 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread recipe transforms a classic sloppy joe filling into a delicious, cheesy garlic bread dish. Ground beef simmers in a tangy, sweet tomato sauce and is layered atop buttered, garlic-seasoned ciabatta bread, then topped with melted mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s a satisfying fusion of comfort food and flavorful garlic bread perfect for a hearty snack or casual meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread and Toppings

• 1 ciabatta loaf
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
• 2 teaspoons olive oil

Sloppy Joe Filling

• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ cup yellow onion (finely diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to catch any drips and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Bread: Slice the ciabatta loaf in half lengthwise. Spread the softened butter evenly over both halves, then sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set the prepared bread aside to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a Dutch oven or skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the mixture from becoming greasy.
4. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the finely diced yellow onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma and flavor.
5. Add Sloppy Joe Sauce Ingredients: Stir in ketchup, water, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly. Cover the skillet with a lid.
6. Simmer the Mixture: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes or until it thickens to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
7. Assemble Bread with Filling and Cheese: Spread the sloppy joe mixture evenly over the prepared ciabatta halves. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses generously on top.
8. Bake the Garlic Bread: Place the assembled sloppy joe garlic bread on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and the edges of the bread are golden and crisp.
9. Serve and Garnish: Remove from the oven, slice into servings, and optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.

Notes

• You can substitute the ciabatta with other rustic breads like French baguette or sourdough for a different texture.
• For extra spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sloppy joe mixture during cooking.
• If you prefer a leaner dish, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Leftover sloppy joe mixture can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
• Make sure to drain excess fat after cooking the meat to avoid soggy bread.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Sloppy Joe, Garlic Bread, Ground Beef, Cheesy Bread, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Party Snack