Hey there friends! Jeviko here, back with another crazy recipe mashup that I know you’re going to love. Today I’m tackling two all-American classics – sloppy joes and cheesy garlic bread – and combining them into one drool-worthy creation. Trust me when I say this recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort food.
Commonly Asked Questions
Why combine sloppy joes and garlic bread – isn’t that kind of weird?
It may seem odd at first, but the flavors pair perfectly! The savory beef and tangy tomato sauce in the sloppy joe filling takes the garlic bread to new heights.
What kind of bread should I use?
I prefer a crusty Italian loaf, but a baguette or rolls would also be delicious. The key is using a bread that can hold up to the juicy sloppy joe mixture.
Do I really need to add all those spices to the meat?
Don’t skip the spices! The addition of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika gives the meaty filling a depth of flavor that takes this recipe over the top.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the sloppy joe mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the garlic bread.
What’s the best way to eat this?
With your hands! The messier the better. Just be sure to have plenty of napkins on hand.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1⁄2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce (about 1 3/4 cups)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheesy Garlic Bread:
- 1 loaf crusty Italian bread, halved lengthwise
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1⁄2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Make the Sloppy Joe Filling: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, then set aside.
- Assemble the Garlic Bread: Preheat oven to 400°F. Spread softened butter mixed with minced garlic over the bread. Top with cheese, sloppy joe mixture, and more cheese.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown. Slice and serve with a sprinkle of parsley.
Cooking Tips
- Use leftover cooked ground beef or turkey for quicker prep.
- Add extra chili powder or cayenne for spicier sloppy joes.
- Substitute Monterey Jack, pepperjack, or mozzarella for the cheddar.
- For a kick, add pickled jalapeños between the layers.
- Let the assembled garlic bread sit for 10 minutes before baking to let the filling soak into the bread.
