Of course! Cheesy Slippy Joe Garlic Bread is the ultimate comfort food mashup—taking the messy, savory-sweet goodness of a Sloppy Joe and piling it onto buttery, garlicky bread, then smothering it in melted cheese. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Here’s a simple, delicious recipe that turns this brilliant idea into a reality.
Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread
This recipe is perfect for a fun weeknight dinner or game-day feast.
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
· 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
· 1 small onion, finely chopped
· 1 small bell pepper, finely chopped (any color)
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 cup your favorite Sloppy Joe sauce (or 1 can of Manwich)
· 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
· Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Bread:
· 1 large loaf French or Italian bread (about 12-16 inches long)
· 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
· 3-4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
· 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 2 tsp dried)
· 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Topping:
· 2 cups shredded cheese (a mix of mozzarella and cheddar is perfect)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Sloppy Joe Filling
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the Sloppy Joe sauce and tomato paste (if using). Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Bread
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese until combined.
- Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of both halves.
Step 3: Assemble the Masterpiece
- Place the buttered bread halves on the prepared baking sheet, cut-side up.
- Toast the Bread: Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden and the butter is bubbly. This step ensures a crispy base.
- Remove the pan from the oven. Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly over both halves of the bread, spreading it to the edges.
- Generously sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the Sloppy Joe layer.
Step 4: Bake to Melty Perfection
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 8-12 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and starting to get golden spots.
- For an extra-browned top, you can turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes (watch it closely!).
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Carefully remove from the oven. Let it cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing into individual portions with a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
- Serve immediately and get ready for rave reviews!
Pro-Tips & Variations:
· Bread Choice: A sturdy, crusty bread like a baguette or Italian loaf is essential to hold up to the hearty topping without getting soggy.
· Make it Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño to the skillet with the bell peppers, or use a pepper jack cheese blend.
· From-Scratch Sauce: If you don’t have a canned sauce, you can make a quick one with 1 cup ketchup, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 2 tbsp brown sugar.
· The “Fully Loaded” Version: Before adding the cheese, top the Sloppy Joe layer with pickle slices or a drizzle of yellow mustard for a classic flavor boost.
· Individual Servings: Use individual sub rolls or slices of Texas toast for personalized portions.
This dish is messy, indulgent, and absolutely irresistible. Enjoy your incredible creation