Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes take the classic sloppy joe sandwich to the next level by serving it on buttery, garlicky toasted bread. This Italian-inspired twist combines a rich, flavorful meat sauce with melted cheese and crispy garlic bread, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A unique and flavorful twist on traditional sloppy joes.
- Combines the best of garlic bread and a hearty meat filling.
- Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or game-day meal.
- Can be made in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- Ground beef or Italian sausage
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Tomato sauce
- Tomato paste
- Italian seasoning
- Worcestershire sauce
- Red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- Salt and pepper
- Shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
For the Garlic Bread:
- Italian bread or sub rolls
- Butter, melted
- Garlic, minced
- Parsley, chopped
- Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the Meat: In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in garlic, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
- Prepare the Garlic Bread: Mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and Parmesan. Spread over sliced Italian bread. Place on a baking sheet and toast for 5 minutes until golden.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture over the toasted garlic bread, top with shredded mozzarella, and broil for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley on top.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Use a cheese blend like mozzarella and provolone.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap meat for lentils or plant-based crumbles.
- Mushroom Addition: Add sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Bread Alternative: Use Texas toast or garlic naan for a different twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover meat mixture in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the sloppy joe filling for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the meat in a skillet or microwave. Toast fresh garlic bread before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a lighter alternative.
2. What’s the best bread for this recipe?
Italian bread, French bread, or sub rolls hold up best to the meat sauce.
3. How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Toast the garlic bread before adding the meat mixture to keep it crisp.
4. Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach are great additions.
5. What cheese works best?
Mozzarella, provolone, or a mix of Italian cheeses melt beautifully.
6. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook the meat mixture in a slow cooker on low for 4 hours, then serve over garlic bread.
7. Can I use store-bought garlic bread?
Yes! Pre-made garlic bread saves time and works just as well.
8. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love the cheesy, garlicky flavors, but you can omit red pepper flakes for a milder taste.
9. Can I serve this open-faced?
Yes! Skip the top piece of bread for an open-faced version.
10. Can I make this ahead of time?
Prepare the meat filling in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve. Toast the garlic bread fresh for the best texture.
Conclusion
Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes are a fun and flavorful twist on the classic sandwich. With a rich meat sauce, melted cheese, and crispy garlic bread, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Try it for a quick dinner or a crowd-pleasing party meal!
Print
Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop & Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes take the classic Sloppy Joe to the next level! Juicy, seasoned ground beef is simmered in a rich marinara sauce, topped with melty mozzarella, and served on buttery garlic bread. This easy, flavor-packed meal is perfect for busy weeknights or a fun twist on a family favorite!
Ingredients
Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garlic Bread Buns:
- 4 hoagie rolls or sandwich buns
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)
Instructions
Make the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the marinara sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and mix in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and combined. Remove from heat.
Prepare the Garlic Bread Buns:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Split the hoagie rolls in half and place them cut-side up on the baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley. Brush the mixture over each roll.
- Sprinkle a little shredded mozzarella on top of each roll and bake for 5–7 minutes, until golden and crispy.
Assemble & Serve:
- Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom halves of the garlic bread buns.
- Place the top halves on, serve warm, and enjoy!
Notes
- Make it cheesy: Add an extra layer of mozzarella and broil for 2 minutes before serving.
- Meat swap: Use ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different twist.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute lentils or mushrooms for the ground beef.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best results.