Description

This recipe combines two comfort food classics – Sloppy Joes and garlic bread – into one irresistible dish! The savory, juicy Sloppy Joe filling is piled onto crispy, buttery garlic bread for a twist that’s as hearty as it is delicious. Whether served as a fun weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next party, this dish will surely become a favorite in your home. With a crispy, buttery base and a rich, flavorful filling, it’s a comfort food dream come true.

Ingredients

• For the Bread:
• 1 loaf Italian bread
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
• 1 pound ground beef
• ¼ cup yellow onion, chopped
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• ¾ cup ketchup
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup water

Preparation Method

Prepare the Garlic Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Slice the Italian bread in half lengthwise to create two large halves. Place the halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the garlic salt until combined. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy. You can broil the bread for an additional 1-2 minutes for an extra crispy top, if desired.

Make the Sloppy Joe Filling: While the garlic bread is baking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes.
Add the chopped onion and garlic powder, and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
Stir in the mustard, ketchup, kosher salt, black pepper, and water. Mix well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.

Assemble the Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread: Once the garlic bread is ready, remove it from the oven and spoon the Sloppy Joe filling generously onto the toasted halves of bread.
Spread the filling evenly to cover the entire surface of the bread.

Serve and Enjoy: Slice the Sloppy Joe garlic bread into individual portions and serve immediately. This dish can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a side of pickles or coleslaw to balance the richness of the filling.

Tips and Conclusion

Cheese It Up: For a cheesy twist, add a layer of shredded cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar) on top of the Sloppy Joe mixture before baking the bread for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the Sloppy Joe filling for extra flavor.

Meal Prep: You can make the Sloppy Joe filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it when you're ready to assemble the garlic bread.

Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread combines the best of both worlds—creamy, buttery garlic bread with a savory, rich, and slightly tangy Sloppy Joe topping. It’s the ultimate comfort food for any occasion, and it’s sure to please both adults and kids alike. Quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your home.