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If you’re a fan of sloppy joes and garlic bread, then you’re in for a real treat with this Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes recipe! Combining the savory goodness of the traditional sloppy joe filling with the buttery, garlicky crunch of toasted garlic bread creates a dinner experience that’s anything but boring. This is comfort food taken to the next level, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Imagine biting into a juicy, saucy beef mixture with a hint of sweetness, all while the crispy garlic bread adds an extra layer of deliciousness. The smell when this is in the oven? Absolutely mouth-watering! Trust me, this is one recipe that will have everyone around the table begging for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to fall head over heels for these Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes:
Flavor Explosion: The garlic bread perfectly complements the rich and tangy sloppy joe filling. Each bite is bursting with bold flavors.
Customizable: You can add cheese, tweak the seasonings, or even swap out the beef for ground turkey. It’s easy to make it your own!
Easy to Make: In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving family or friends, these sloppy joes are sure to impress.
The Taste of Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
This dish is a beautiful balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, all tied together by the comforting crunch of the garlic bread. The sloppy joe filling is juicy and flavorful, thanks to the combination of ground beef, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of brown sugar. The garlic bread adds a fragrant, buttery crunch that elevates the entire sandwich. It’s sloppy, it’s indulgent, and it’s the ultimate comfort food!
Benefits of Making This Recipe
Quick and Easy: Perfect for a mid-week dinner that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the familiar flavors of sloppy joes and garlic bread, making this a win-win dish.
Budget-Friendly: Using simple ingredients, this recipe is affordable without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Sloppy Joes:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese for topping
For the Garlic Bread:
- 4 hoagie rolls or large hamburger buns
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated for extra flavor
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet for cooking the beef mixture
- Spatula for breaking up the beef
- Baking sheet for toasting the garlic bread
- Parchment paper to line the baking sheet
- Small mixing bowl for the garlic butter
How to Make Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Start by cooking the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break up the meat with a spatula as it browns, making sure it cooks evenly. Once fully browned, drain off any excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the onion is softened and translucent. The aroma of garlic and onion sautéing will already have your kitchen smelling amazing!
Step 3: Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce
Now, it’s time to add the flavor-packed sauce. Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Bread
While your sloppy joe mixture simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, chopped parsley, and Parmesan cheese (if using).
Slice your hoagie rolls or buns in half and generously spread the garlic butter mixture on each side. Arrange the garlic bread on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the butter has melted.
Step 5: Assemble the Sloppy Joes
It’s time to bring it all together! Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom halves of the garlic bread. If you’re a fan of extra cheesiness, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top of the sloppy joe filling.
Step 6: Broil for Extra Cheesy Goodness (Optional)
For an extra touch of deliciousness, place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, just long enough to melt the cheese and lightly toast the top buns. Keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Close the sandwiches with the top halves of the garlic bread, serve hot, and watch as everyone digs into these irresistible Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes!
What to Serve with Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
These sandwiches are hearty on their own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, here are a few great side dish ideas:
Coleslaw: The tanginess of coleslaw perfectly balances the richness of the sloppy joes.
French Fries or Potato Wedges: Classic and comforting!
A Simple Green Salad: Something fresh and light to contrast the bold flavors.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the sloppy joe filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat and assemble when ready to serve!
Cheese Options: While cheddar and mozzarella work great, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone or pepper jack for a different flavor.
For Extra Garlic Flavor: Feel free to increase the garlic in the butter mixture if you’re a true garlic lover!
Storage Instructions
Leftover Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes? No problem! Store any leftover sloppy joe filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. If you have leftover garlic bread, you can re-toast it in the oven for a few minutes to bring back the crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives will work well in this recipe.
Can I make the sloppy joe filling spicier?
Absolutely. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Simply swap out the hoagie rolls for your favorite gluten-free bread or buns to make this recipe gluten-free.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Comfort Food
These Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes are an absolute game-changer, taking two comfort food classics and combining them into one epic meal. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or just craving something indulgent, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. The cheesy, garlicky, saucy goodness is truly irresistible!
P.S. If you loved this recipe, check out more of my hearty favorites, like my Cheesy Bacon Sliders or my famous BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches. And don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest or leave a review below—I’d love to hear how they turned out!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: ~500
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 28g
Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Twist on a Classic
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Description
Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes combine the best of two comfort food favorites: rich, tangy sloppy joe filling and crispy, buttery garlic bread. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Add cheese for extra deliciousness, and watch these sandwiches become a new favorite. Get ready for a dinner everyone will love!
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joes:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)
For the Garlic Bread:
- 4 hoagie rolls or large hamburger buns
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Break up the beef as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce: Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the Garlic Bread: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Mix butter, minced garlic, parsley, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese. Spread on sliced hoagie rolls.
- Bake the Garlic Bread: Place the rolls on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes until golden.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the garlic bread. Top with shredded cheese, if using.
- Broil (Optional): Broil sandwiches for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the top buns are toasty.
- Serve: Close the sandwiches with the top halves of the garlic bread and serve hot.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sloppy joe sauce.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- If you have leftovers, store the sloppy joe filling and garlic bread separately to keep the bread from getting soggy.
- Gluten-free bread can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg