If you love garlic bread and sloppy joes, why not combine them into one mouthwatering meal? This Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes recipe does just that, bringing together the buttery, garlicky goodness of Italian bread with the saucy, savory deliciousness of sloppy joes. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure—my family devoured it in minutes when I made it for a game night. Plus, it’s super easy to throw together, making it perfect for busy weeknights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Two Favorites in One: You get the best of both worlds with garlic bread and sloppy joes combined.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make this a go-to meal.
Comfort Food: This dish is pure comfort food, perfect for cozy dinners or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Bread

1 loaf Italian bread: Perfect base for the sloppy joe topping.
½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened: Buttery goodness for that garlic bread flavor.
1 teaspoon garlic salt: Adds the signature garlicky taste.

Sloppy Joe

1 pound ground beef: Classic base for sloppy joes.
¼ cup yellow onion, chopped: Adds flavor and texture.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: For an extra kick of garlic.
1 teaspoon yellow mustard: Gives the sloppy joe mixture a little tang.
¾ cup (180 g) ketchup: Sweet and savory base for the sauce.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: For seasoning.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a bit of spice.
½ cup water: Helps create the sauce.

Topping

1 cup (113 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully on top.
1 cup (113 g) sharp cheddar, shredded: Adds extra cheesy flavor.
Parsley, chopped for garnish: For a fresh finish.

Variations

Spicy: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture for a kick.
Different Bread: Try using ciabatta rolls, French bread, or even hamburger buns if you don’t have Italian bread.
Extra Veggies: Throw in some bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

1. Prep the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Slice the loaf of Italian bread lengthwise and place both halves on a parchment-lined baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix the butter and garlic salt, then spread the mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.

2. Make the Sloppy Joe Mixture

In a medium skillet, cook the ground beef and onions over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the grease. Stir in the garlic powder, mustard, ketchup, salt, pepper, and water. Mix everything together until well combined.

3. Assemble the Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes

Divide the sloppy joe mixture between the two halves of the garlic bread. Top with the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.

4. Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

5. Garnish & Serve

Cut the garlic bread sloppy joes into pieces and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use a Good Bread: A sturdy loaf of Italian bread works best, but feel free to experiment with other types of bread.
Cheese Melting: For an extra gooey texture, broil the bread for 1-2 minutes at the end to brown the cheese.
Make Ahead: Prepare the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time and just assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat.

How to Serve

This dish is perfect on its own, but you can pair it with a simple side salad or some roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. It’s also great with a side of crispy fries or onion rings.

Make Ahead

To Refrigerate: You can make the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, just assemble and bake the bread.
To Freeze: The sloppy joe mixture freezes well. Just store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then heat and assemble.
Reheating: Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to keep the bread crispy.

FAQs

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or cooked lentils.

Can I use pre-made garlic bread?
Yes, but I’d still recommend spreading a bit more butter and garlic on top for maximum flavor.

Can I make this without an oven?
You can air fry or even use a toaster oven if you prefer not to turn on the oven. Just keep an eye on the bread as it can brown quicker in smaller appliances.

Conclusion

These Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes are a fun and delicious twist on two classic comfort foods. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want something a little extra for dinner, this recipe is bound to be a hit. It’s quick, cheesy, and packed with flavor—what more could you want?