Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheesy and comforting: The gooey combination of cheddar and mozzarella adds a rich, creamy texture to the classic sloppy joe.
- Garlic bread base: Instead of regular buns, this recipe uses toasted garlic bread, bringing in an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
- Easy to make: With only 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight or casual gathering.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level by adding or omitting red pepper flakes and experiment with different cheeses.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 slices garlic bread, toasted
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the beef mixture. Stir until the cheese melts and combines fully into the sauce.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Brush the toasted garlic bread slices with melted butter. Spoon the cheesy sloppy joe mixture over the garlic bread slices. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
- Serves: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat.
- Cheese options: Swap the cheddar and mozzarella with your favorite cheese blend, such as pepper jack for a spicy twist or provolone for a milder flavor.
- Vegetarian version: Use plant-based ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian-friendly version of this dish.
- Garlic bread alternatives: Use crusty French bread or even slider buns for a different texture.
Storage/reheating
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If you have leftover garlic bread, it can be refreshed in the oven for a few minutes to restore some crispiness.
- Freezing: The sloppy joe mixture can be frozen for up to 3 months. However, it’s best to freeze the meat mixture separately from the garlic bread and assemble after reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken will work well in this recipe, though the flavor may be a bit lighter.
2. Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can prepare the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days, then reheat it when ready to serve over the garlic bread.
3. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or use a spicy cheese like pepper jack for an extra kick.
4. Can I make this dish without the garlic bread?
Yes, you can serve the cheesy sloppy joe mixture over regular buns, toast, or even on a bed of rice for a different take.
5. How do I know when the beef is fully cooked?
The beef is fully cooked when it is browned with no pink remaining, and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
6. Can I use store-bought garlic bread?
Absolutely! Store-bought garlic bread works just as well if you’re short on time.
7. Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze the sloppy joe mixture and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just assemble and serve when ready.
8. What kind of cheese should I use?
Cheddar and mozzarella are great choices for this recipe, but feel free to experiment with different cheeses like gouda or provolone for a unique flavor.
9. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can use plant-based ground beef or substitute with lentils to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
10. How can I make this dish more savory?
Add a few dashes of soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar to the sauce to enhance the savory flavor.
Conclusion
Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes are a fun and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. The combination of hearty beef, rich melted cheese, and crispy garlic bread makes this dish an unforgettable crowd-pleaser. Perfect for a weeknight meal, casual party, or anytime you want to indulge in something cheesy and delicious!
Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes: A Savory Twist on a Classic
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes are a delightful and savory twist on the classic sloppy joe. Topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella, this dish is served over crispy, buttery garlic bread for an irresistible combination of flavors. It’s quick, comforting, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce
¼ cup ketchup
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 slices garlic bread, toasted
2 tbsp butter, melted
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the beef mixture. Stir until the cheese melts and combines fully into the sauce.
- Brush the toasted garlic bread slices with melted butter. Spoon the cheesy sloppy joe mixture over the garlic bread slices. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to make it spicier.
Experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack or provolone, for a unique flavor.
For a vegetarian version, use plant-based ground meat or lentils.
Substitute the garlic bread with crusty French bread or slider buns for a different texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
