Forget soggy buns—this Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread takes your favorite messy sandwich to the next level! French bread is topped with garlic butter, loaded with a sweet and savory sloppy joe mixture, and smothered in melty mozzarella and cheddar cheese. It’s the perfect combination of classic comfort food with a fun, hearty twist that the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No soggy buns – French bread holds up to the saucy beef mixture without getting mushy.
- Quick and easy – The sloppy joe filling comes together in one skillet with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Cheesy perfection – A mix of mozzarella and cheddar gives every bite a creamy, gooey texture.
- Versatile serving – Cut into open-face slices for a main meal or smaller pieces for appetizers.
- Family-friendly – Perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or parties.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1 loaf French bread
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sloppy Joe Mixture:
- 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
- 1½ tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and place on the prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning. Spread evenly over the bread.
- Cook the sloppy joe mixture: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef for 6-8 minutes until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Add the onions, bell pepper, and garlic and cook 4-5 minutes until soft. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the sauce: Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, salt, onion powder, and paprika. Simmer uncovered for 6-8 minutes until thickened.
- Assemble the garlic bread: Spread half of the sloppy joe mixture onto each half of the prepared French bread. Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar evenly on top.
- Bake: Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing into pieces. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh French bread for the best texture.
- Pre-bake the bread for 8-10 minutes for extra crunch before adding the topping.
- Make it leaner: Substitute ground turkey for beef.
- Add heat: Include jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Cheese swap: Try pepper jack or provolone for a flavor twist.
- Vegetarian option: Use plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free French bread.
Storing & Reheating
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Avoid freezing as the bread may get soggy.
- Reheat: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 10-15 minutes until warm and bubbly.
Nutrition (per serving, serves 6)
- Calories: 703 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Fat: 43 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 1926 mg
- Calcium: 307 mg
- Iron: 5 mg