1. Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the ketchup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and smoked paprika to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Make the Garlic Bread:
- While the sloppy joe filling is simmering, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
- Place the bread on a baking sheet, cut side up, and bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden.
3. Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
- Once the garlic bread is lightly toasted, remove it from the oven.
- Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously over the bottom half of the garlic bread.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the sloppy joe mixture.
- Place the top half of the garlic bread over the cheese.
4. Melt the Cheese:
- Return the assembled sandwich to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve:
- Remove the sandwich from the oven and let it cool for a minute before slicing into individual servings.
- Serve the Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes hot, with extra napkins on hand for the deliciously messy experience!
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes:
- Choose Your Bread Wisely: A sturdy loaf of French or Italian bread works best for this recipe, as it holds up well to the filling without becoming too soggy.
- Customize Your Cheese: While mozzarella is a classic choice, feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for a bit of a kick.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture if you like your food with a bit of heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground meat alternative or cooked lentils for a vegetarian version of this dish.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the sloppy joe filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove before assembling the sandwiches.
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlicky, buttery bread with the savory, sweet, and tangy sloppy joe filling is a match made in comfort food heaven.
- Easy and Quick: Despite its impressive flavors, this dish is easy to make and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or entertaining guests, these sloppy joes are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes are the perfect fusion of two classic comfort foods, creating a meal that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy, garlicky goodness with every bite!