Elevate your Sloppy Joe experience by combining it with the mouthwatering flavors of garlic bread in this ultimate comfort food fusion. Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes deliver the best of both worlds—a crispy, buttery garlic bread base topped with rich, seasoned beef and gooey, melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, game day, or whenever you’re in the mood for a hearty, satisfying meal, this recipe is destined to become a favorite. Easy to make and loaded with flavor, it’s sure to be a hit with all ages.
Ingredients:
**For the Garlic Bread:**
– 1 loaf French bread
– ½ cup butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon garlic salt
– ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
**For the Sloppy Joes:**
– 1 pound ground beef
– ⅓ cup green bell pepper, diced
– ½ cup yellow onion, diced
– 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
– 8 ounces tomato sauce
– ¾ cup ketchup
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1½ tablespoons yellow mustard
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon paprika
**For the Topping:**
– 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Garlic Bread Base:**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise and place the halves on a baking sheet, cut side up. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning. Spread this garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
2. **Bake the Garlic Bread:**
Place the bread in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and slightly crispy. Remove the bread from the oven and set aside.
3. **Cook the Sloppy Joe Filling:**
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
4. **Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce:**
Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, salt, onion powder, and paprika to the beef mixture. Stir well and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
5. **Assemble the Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread:**
Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture generously over the garlic bread halves, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
6. **Add the Cheese Topping:**
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the Sloppy Joe mixture. The melty cheese layer adds an extra touch of indulgence.
7. **Melt the Cheese:**
Return the assembled bread to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden finish, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
8. **Slice and Serve:**
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing into individual servings. Serve warm and enjoy this delicious twist on a classic Sloppy Joe!
**Conclusion:**
Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes are a creative and delectable spin on traditional comfort food. With the rich Sloppy Joe filling, crispy garlic bread, and a generous layer of melted cheese, this dish is a total game-changer. Easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd, it’s a surefire hit for any occasion. Try it once, and it’s bound to become a family favorite!