Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes bring together the bold flavors of Italian-seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy garlic bread for a mouthwatering twist on a classic sandwich. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes Recipe 9 Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes bring together the bold flavors of Italian-seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy garlic bread for a mouthwatering twist on a classic sandwich. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Ground beef
  • Onion (chopped)
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Italian seasoning
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Tomato paste
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Garlic bread (sliced)
  • Butter (melted)
  • Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
  4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. While the meat mixture simmers, brush garlic bread slices with melted butter and place them on a baking sheet.
  6. Toast the garlic bread in the oven for about 5 minutes until slightly crisp.
  7. Spoon the beef mixture over the toasted garlic bread slices.
  8. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
  9. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick.
  • Vegetarian Option: Use a plant-based meat substitute and veggie-based sauce.
  • Cheesy Upgrade: Layer with provolone or ricotta cheese for extra richness.
  • Healthier Version: Use whole wheat garlic bread and lean ground turkey.
  • Extra Crunch: Top with crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs before baking.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze the meat mixture separately for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave in short intervals.

FAQs

Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes Recipe

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes! Ciabatta, hoagie rolls, or Texas toast work great.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the meat mixture in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to assemble.

What cheese works best for this recipe?

Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, but provolone adds a great flavor too.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free bread and check ingredient labels.

How do I prevent soggy bread?

Toasting the garlic bread before adding the meat helps keep it crispy.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative.

What sides pair well with this dish?

A fresh side salad, roasted vegetables, or fries complement the meal perfectly.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook the meat mixture in a slow cooker on low for 4-5 hours.

How can I make this dish creamier?

Add a spoonful of ricotta or cream cheese to the meat mixture.

Can I add mushrooms or peppers?

Absolutely! Sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers add great flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes are a fun and flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. Easy to prepare and full of delicious Italian flavors, they’re perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish. Try out different variations and enjoy this cheesy, saucy delight!

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Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes Recipe

Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes Recipe

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  • Author: samahkitchen
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x
  • Category: Sandwiches
  • Method: Stovetop & Baked
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

These Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes take the classic sloppy joe and give it a flavorful Italian makeover! Juicy ground beef is simmered in a rich tomato sauce with Italian seasonings, then served on crispy, buttery garlic bread. It’s the perfect comfort food for an easy weeknight meal


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Sloppy Joe Filling:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For the Garlic Bread:

  • 1 loaf of Italian bread (or 4 hoagie rolls)
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
  • Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
  • Stir in shredded mozzarella cheese until melted. Remove from heat.
  • Prepare the garlic bread: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  • Slice the Italian bread in half lengthwise and brush with the garlic butter mixture.
  • Place on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly toasted.
  • Assemble: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the toasted garlic bread.
  • Optional: Sprinkle extra mozzarella or parmesan cheese on top and broil for 1-2 minutes until bubbly.
  • Serve immediately with a side of marinara sauce or a fresh salad!

Notes

  • Meat Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a variation.
  • Make it Spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Cheese Lover’s Version: Layer slices of provolone or fresh mozzarella before broiling.
  • Storage: Store the sloppy joe filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving on fresh garlic bread.

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