Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes are a fun and flavorful twist on two beloved comfort foods. This delicious mashup features buttery garlic bread topped with hearty Sloppy Joe filling and melted cheese—making it a perfect casual dinner, party snack, or game day meal. Easy to prepare and satisfying for all ages, this recipe will become a new favorite for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers the best of both worlds: the bold, tangy flavor of classic Sloppy Joes and the crispy, buttery richness of garlic bread. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s simple to make, requiring only a handful of pantry staples. The garlic bread base adds a satisfying crunch, while the cheesy topping brings everything together. It’s ideal for feeding a family or entertaining guests with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Garlic Bread Base:

1 loaf French bread or thick Texas toast
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)

For the Sloppy Joe Mixture:

1 lb ground beef
1/2 onion, finely diced
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup beef broth
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Prepare the Garlic Bread
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic and chopped parsley.
Spread this mixture evenly over each slice of French bread or Texas toast.
Place the slices on a baking sheet and bake for 5–7 minutes, until lightly toasted.
Cook the Sloppy Joe Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened.
Drain excess fat from the skillet.
Stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth.
Season with salt and pepper.
Simmer the mixture for 5–10 minutes, or until thickened.
Assemble the Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
Spoon the prepared sloppy joe mixture over each slice of toasted garlic bread.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve
Remove from oven and garnish with extra chopped parsley, if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy the savory, cheesy flavors.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4–6 servings
Calories per Serving: Approximately 450 kcal

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the Sloppy Joe mixture.
Cheese Swap: Use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a spicy cheese blend for different flavor profiles.
Turkey Version: Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
Mini Bites: Use baguette slices for appetizer-sized portions.
Tex-Mex Style: Add taco seasoning and a spoonful of salsa for a Southwestern twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store bread and meat mixture separately.
Reheating: Reheat the meat in a skillet or microwave. Toast the bread separately and reassemble before serving.
Freezing: Freeze the Sloppy Joe mixture (without the bread) for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the Sloppy Joe mixture and garlic bread in advance. Store separately and assemble just before baking.

What type of bread works best?

French bread and thick-cut Texas toast are ideal for holding the toppings without becoming soggy.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, although freshly shredded cheese will melt more smoothly.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely. The mild and cheesy flavors make it a hit with children.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or shredded carrots can be added to the meat mixture.

What sides go well with this dish?

Pair with a green salad, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or oven fries.

How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

Pre-toasting the garlic bread before adding the meat helps keep the base crisp.

Can I use store-bought garlic bread?

Yes, just toast it slightly before topping and baking.

Can this be made vegetarian?

Use a plant-based meat substitute and vegetable broth for a meat-free version.

Is it freezer-friendly?

The Sloppy Joe mixture is freezer-friendly. The garlic bread is best made fresh for optimal texture.

Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes

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Author: Olivia
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes are the ultimate comfort food mashup—savory Sloppy Joe filling piled high on buttery, garlicky bread and topped with melty cheddar cheese. A crowd-pleasing twist on two classics! Keyword: Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes

Instructions

Prepare the Garlic Bread:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small bowl, mix softened butter, garlic, and parsley.
Spread on bread slices. Bake for 5–7 minutes until lightly toasted.
Cook the Sloppy Joe Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion.
Drain excess fat.
Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire, beef broth, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 5–10 minutes until thickened.
Assemble:
Spoon Sloppy Joe mixture over toasted garlic bread slices.
Top with shredded cheese.
Bake Again:
Return to oven for 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.