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.