Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread (Print View)

Savory beef and cheese layered on toasted garlic bread for a hearty, shareable comfort food.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread Base

01 - 1 large French bread loaf or 2 baguettes, halved lengthwise

→ Meat Mixture

02 - 1 pound ground beef, 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio
03 - 1 small onion, finely diced
04 - 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 cup tomato sauce or Sloppy Joe sauce
07 - 2 tablespoons ketchup
08 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, optional
11 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Garlic Butter Spread

12 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
13 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, divided

→ Cheese Topping

14 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or cheddar cheese
15 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a sharp knife, slice the French bread or baguettes lengthwise and arrange cut side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, half of the chopped parsley, and minced garlic. Spread this mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread halves.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
04 - Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 to 6 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
05 - Spoon the hot Sloppy Joe mixture evenly over the buttered bread halves.
06 - Scatter mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan if using, over the Sloppy Joe mixture, ensuring even coverage.
07 - Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are golden. For a golden-brown top, broil for an additional 2 minutes, watching closely.
08 - Remove from the oven and sprinkle with remaining chopped parsley. Slice and serve warm.

# Notes:

01 - Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing to maintain its structure.