Go Back
Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread Bake

Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread Bake

This easy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread Bake combines savory ground beef, tender onions and green bell peppers, rich sloppy joe sauce, buttery French bread, and plenty of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese. It is a delicious cheesy comfort food that's perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, game day, parties, or a family-friendly meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • FOR THE BREAD:
  • 1 loaf French bread halved lengthwise
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted
  • FOR THE SLOPPY JOE TOPPING:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 3/4 cup sloppy joe sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • FOR THE CHEESE TOPPING:
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • OPTIONAL GARNISH:
  • Fresh parsley chopped

Method
 

  1. PREPARE THE SLOPPY JOE MEAT:
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and diced green bell pepper. Cook until the beef is thoroughly browned and the vegetables are tender, breaking the meat apart as it cooks.
  3. ADD THE GARLIC:
  4. Add the minced garlic during the final minute of cooking and stir until fragrant. Carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet if necessary.
  5. ADD THE SAUCE:
  6. Pour the sloppy joe sauce into the skillet. Add the salt and black pepper, then stir until the beef and vegetables are evenly coated.
  7. SIMMER:
  8. Reduce the heat slightly and simmer the mixture for 3 to 4 minutes. The filling should be thick and saucy rather than watery.
  9. PREHEAT THE OVEN:
  10. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  11. PREPARE THE FRENCH BREAD:
  12. Place the French bread halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the cut surfaces evenly with melted butter.
  13. ADD THE SLOPPY JOE MIXTURE:
  14. Spoon the warm sloppy joe mixture evenly over the buttered French bread, spreading it from edge to edge.
  15. ADD THE CHEESE:
  16. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the beef mixture. Follow with the shredded cheddar cheese.
  17. BAKE:
  18. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbling, and lightly golden and the edges of the French bread are crisp.
  19. REST AND SERVE:
  20. Remove the garlic bread from the oven and allow it to rest for 3 to 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then slice and serve warm.

Notes

Keep the sloppy joe mixture thick enough to sit on top of the bread without running off. If the filling is too watery, simmer it for another minute or two before assembling the garlic bread.
Freshly shredded mozzarella and cheddar generally provide a smoother melt and better texture.
For a stronger garlic flavor, mix additional minced garlic or garlic powder into the melted butter before brushing it over the bread.
Ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef.
For a spicy version, add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the beef mixture.