👉Italian SloppyJoes – Recipes on a Budget

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Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
A hearty and indulgent twist on the classic Sloppy Joe, this Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe recipe features ground beef cooked in a zesty sauce, piled high on a buttery, garlic-infused loaf of Italian bread, and topped with a generous layer of mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or a game-day gathering, this dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and irresistible combination of cheesy, savory goodness.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Bread:

1 loaf Italian bread
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon garlic salt

For the Sloppy Joe Filling:

1 pound ground beef
¼ cup yellow onion, chopped
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
¾ cup ketchup
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup water

For the Topping:

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the bread: Slice the loaf of Italian bread lengthwise into two halves. Place both halves, cut side up, on the prepared baking sheet.
Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with garlic salt. Spread this mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread. Set aside.
Cook the beef filling: Heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onions. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until the beef is no longer pink (about 8-10 minutes). Drain any excess grease.
Add flavor: Stir in garlic powder, yellow mustard, ketchup, kosher salt, black pepper, and water. Mix until well combined and simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Assemble: Divide the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly between both halves of the bread. Top with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted and bubbled.
Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Slice into individual servings and enjoy!

Variations:

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or plant-based ground meat (like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger).
Spicy Sloppy Joes: Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili flakes or a diced jalapeño to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
BBQ Sloppy Joes: Replace the ketchup with your favorite BBQ sauce for a tangy twist.
Cheese Swap: For a more decadent version, try adding provolone cheese or a blend of Italian cheeses.
Low-Carb: Use a low-carb bread or make a lettuce wrap for a lighter version.

Serving Tips:

Serve with a side of crispy baked fries or a light salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Pair with a cold drink, such as iced tea or soda, to complement the flavors.
For a more festive touch, serve with homemade onion rings or pickles on the side.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can I use a different type of bread? Yes! You can substitute Italian bread with French bread or even a thick, hearty hoagie roll.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work just as well in this recipe.
How can I make this dish spicier? Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the Sloppy Joe mixture.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? Yes! You can make the Sloppy Joe filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before assembling the garlic bread.
Can I freeze the Sloppy Joe filling? Yes, the Sloppy Joe filling freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
What can I serve with this dish? Try serving it with a simple side salad, coleslaw, potato chips, or roasted vegetables.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for the Sloppy Joe mixture? Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative like Beyond Meat.
What type of cheese is best for this recipe? Mozzarella and sharp cheddar work great, but you can also try provolone, gouda, or Monterey Jack.
Can I add more veggies to the filling? Yes, you can add bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach to the Sloppy Joe mixture.
Can I use margarine instead of butter? While butter adds a rich flavor, margarine can be used as a substitute if needed.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker? Yes! Brown the beef and onions in a skillet, then add to the slow cooker with the other ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free bread to make this recipe gluten-free.
Can I skip the cheese? Yes, if you’re not a fan of cheese, you can skip it or use a dairy-free alternative.
Can I add extra toppings to this? Yes, try adding pickles, sautéed onions, or bacon for added flavor.
How do I know when the garlic bread is ready? The garlic bread should be golden brown with melted cheese and bubbling around the edges.
Can I use homemade garlic butter? Yes, homemade garlic butter will add a delicious, fresh flavor.
Is this recipe kid-friendly? Yes! The cheesy, meaty filling is sure to be a hit with kids.
Can I make these Sloppy Joes as sliders? Absolutely! Use smaller rolls to create bite-sized sliders.
How can I make this recipe less greasy? Drain the excess grease from the cooked beef before adding the other ingredients.

20 Best Tips to Make Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes:

Use fresh Italian bread for the best texture and flavor.
Be sure to drain the beef thoroughly to avoid a greasy mixture.
Don’t skip the garlic salt in the butter—this step infuses incredible flavor into the bread.
Use a high-quality ketchup to enhance the richness of the sauce.
Make sure to simmer the Sloppy Joe mixture to allow the flavors to meld.
Try using a mix of cheeses for a more complex, melt-in-your-mouth topping.
Cut the bread into equal halves for even cooking.
Consider adding a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the ketchup.
If you want a crispier garlic bread, broil it for 1-2 minutes after baking.
Adjust the mustard to your taste if you prefer more tanginess.
Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano for an Italian twist.
Be generous with the cheese—extra cheese is always a good idea!
Make sure to toast the garlic bread just long enough to get a golden, crunchy texture.
If using a thicker loaf, cut into smaller portions for easy serving.
For a lower-carb version, substitute the bread with a cauliflower crust.
When reheating leftovers, pop them under the broiler to get the cheese bubbly again.
Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the Sloppy Joe mixture for extra depth of flavor.
Customize the toppings with olives, bell peppers, or even pepperoni slices.
Serve with a side of ranch dressing or blue cheese for dipping.
Don’t overcook the beef—leave a little moisture for the perfect Sloppy Joe texture.