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Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread

Forget the soggy buns—this Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread is the ultimate way to upgrade a classic! Instead of serving the saucy meat on hamburger buns, we’re piling it high on buttery garlic bread and finishing it with melty mozzarella and cheddar. The result? A hearty, cheesy, and flavor-packed meal that’s just as easy to make as it is to devour.

Whether you serve it for dinner or slice it up for game day, this recipe is guaranteed to be a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • No soggy bread – French bread is sturdy enough to hold the saucy filling.
  • All the flavors you love – sweet, tangy, and savory Sloppy Joe filling with melted cheese.
  • Quick & easy – ready in just 30 minutes.
  • Versatile – serve it as a main dish or cut into smaller pieces for an appetizer.
  • Kid-friendly – a guaranteed hit with the whole family!

Ingredients

For the Garlic Bread

  • 1 loaf French bread
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Sloppy Joe Filling

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ⅓ cup green bell pepper, diced
  • ½ cup yellow onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces tomato sauce
  • ¾ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 ½ tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika

For the Topping

  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese

How to Make Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread

  1. Prepare the bread – Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the French bread in half lengthwise. Mix softened butter with garlic salt and Italian seasoning, then spread over the bread halves.
  2. Cook the filling – In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat (6–8 minutes). Add bell pepper, onion, and garlic; cook until softened (about 4–5 minutes). Drain excess fat.
  3. Make the sauce – Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Simmer uncovered for 6–8 minutes, until thickened.
  4. Assemble & bake – Spoon the sloppy joe mixture evenly over both halves of the garlic bread. Sprinkle with mozzarella and cheddar. Bake for 12–14 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  5. Slice & serve – Let cool for 5 minutes, then cut into pieces. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Success

  • Bake the bread alone for 8–10 minutes before topping for extra crunch.
  • Drain the beef well to avoid excess grease soaking into the bread.
  • Use a mix of cheeses for even more flavor—pepper jack, provolone, or gouda all work well.
  • Add heat with jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili flakes.

Variations

  • Turkey Sloppy Joes – swap ground beef for ground turkey.
  • Vegetarian – use lentils or plant-based ground “meat.”
  • Tex-Mex Twist – add taco seasoning and top with salsa and jalapeños.
  • Cheesy Crunch – sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese layer before baking.

Storing & Reheating

  • Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, until warmed through and the cheese is melty again.

Serving Ideas

  • Serve as an easy weeknight dinner with a side salad.
  • Cut into smaller squares for a party appetizer or game day snack.
  • Top with coleslaw or fresh veggies for a complete open-face sandwich.

Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread Recipe Card

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Calories: ~703 per serving