Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
**Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes 🍞**
This fun twist on the classic Sloppy Joe combines savory ground beef with melted cheese on a crisp, garlicky Italian bread base. Perfect for a quick dinner or a casual gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit!
### **Ingredients:**
**For the Bread:**
– 1 loaf Italian bread
– ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon garlic salt
**For the Sloppy Joe Mixture:**
– 1 pound ground beef
– ¼ cup yellow onion, chopped
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
– ¾ cup (180 g) ketchup
– ½ teaspoon kosher salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ cup water
**For the Topping:**
– 1 cup (113 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1 cup (113 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
– Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
### **Instructions:**
#### **1. Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easy and to prevent sticking.
#### **2. Prepare the Bread:**
– Slice the loaf of Italian bread lengthwise into two halves. Place both halves on the lined baking sheet, cut side up, and set them aside.
#### **3. Make the Garlic Butter:**
– In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the garlic salt until well combined. Spread this garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread. The buttery, garlicky flavor will infuse the bread as it bakes, adding an extra layer of deliciousness.
#### **4. Cook the Sloppy Joe Filling:**
– Heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onions. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to break up the beef into small crumbles with a spoon or spatula as it cooks.
– Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the filling from becoming too greasy.
#### **5. Season the Sloppy Joe Filling:**
– Add the garlic powder, yellow mustard, ketchup, kosher salt, black pepper, and water to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir everything together until well combined. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
#### **6. Assemble the Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes:**
– Divide the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly between the two prepared halves of bread. Spread the mixture all the way to the edges for full coverage.
– Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese over the top of each bread half. The combination of cheeses adds a perfect balance of creaminess and sharpness to the dish.
#### **7. Bake the Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes:**
– Place the assembled bread halves in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the bread is golden brown around the edges.
#### **8. Garnish and Serve:**
– Remove from the oven and let the bread cool for a minute or two before slicing. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve immediately, while hot and cheesy.
### **Tips for Success:**
– **Choose Your Bread Wisely:** Opt for a loaf of Italian or French bread with a sturdy crust to hold up well under the weight of the filling and cheese.
– **Adjust the Spice Level:** If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes to the Sloppy Joe mixture.
– **Cheese Variation:** Feel free to substitute or mix other cheeses, such as gouda, Monterey Jack, or Swiss, for a unique flavor twist.
### **Serving Suggestions:**
Serve your **Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes** with a side salad, coleslaw, or some crispy fries for a complete meal. This dish also pairs well with pickles or a light tomato soup.
### **Nutritional Information (per serving):**
– **Calories:** ~450 kcal
– **Protein:** 25g
– **Carbohydrates:** 35g
– **Fat:** 25g
### **Prep Time:** 10 minutes | **Cook Time:** 20 minutes | **Total Time:** 30 minutes | **Servings:** 4
Enjoy this delightful twist on a classic comfort food, combining the best of garlic bread and Sloppy Joes into one easy, cheesy, and satisfying dish!
