Ingredients
Scale
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
For the Garlic Bread:
- 6 sandwich rolls or slices of crusty bread (such as ciabatta or French bread)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Red pepper flakes
- Extra shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Incorporate Tomatoes: Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally.
- Add Cheese: Stir in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella until melted and incorporated.
Prepare the Garlic Bread:
- Preheat the Broiler: Set your oven to broil and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Spread on Bread: Slice the sandwich rolls or bread in half and spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on each piece.
- Toast: Place the bread on the prepared baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes, or until golden and lightly crispy. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Assemble the Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes:
- Build the Sandwiches: Spoon the sloppy joe filling generously onto the toasted garlic bread halves.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle with additional mozzarella or Parmesan cheese, if desired. Add fresh basil leaves for extra flavor.
- Serve: Place the top half of the garlic bread on the sandwich or serve open-faced. Enjoy immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 garlic bread sloppy joe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g