Garlic Bread Cheesy Sloppy Joe Bake

Kitchen Equipment

To make this delicious bake, you’ll need:

• A large skillet
• Baking dish (9×13 inch)
• Mixing bowls
• A spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Make the Sloppy Joe Filling

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Next, add the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika (if using), chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Once the sauce thickens slightly, remove it from the heat.

2. Prepare the Garlic Bread

While the Sloppy Joe filling simmers, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the loaf of French bread (or garlic bread loaf) in half lengthwise, creating a top and bottom. Spread the softened butter evenly across both halves. Sprinkle the garlic powder over the buttered bread for that classic garlic bread flavor.

Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes, just until they start to turn golden and slightly crisp. Remove from the oven.

3. Assemble the Bake

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, place one half of the garlic bread (cut side up) as the base layer. Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly over the bread, making sure it’s well-covered. Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheese over the meat filling.

Place the second half of the garlic bread on top of the meat and cheese layer, cut side down. Press gently to compact the bake.

4. Top with Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the garlic bread. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Once the bake is out of the oven, garnish it with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips and Variations

• Make it Spicy: If you like your Sloppy Joes with a kick, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
• Use Pre-Made Garlic Bread: For a quicker version, use store-bought garlic bread instead of making your own. Just make sure it’s a loaf that can be sliced in half.
• Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix up the cheeses! Mozzarella gives a mild, gooey texture, but sharp cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend would also work well.
• Veggie Version: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute to make a lighter or vegetarian version of this dish.

How to Store and Reheat

If you have leftovers (which is rare because this bake is so good!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until warmed through. The garlic bread will crisp up again, and the cheesy topping will melt beautifully.

This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the bread, which can become soggy when thawed, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh.

What to Serve with Garlic Bread Cheesy Sloppy Joe Bake

This hearty dish pairs well with a fresh salad, steamed veggies, or even a side of coleslaw for some added crunch. If you want to stick to the comfort food theme, serve it alongside fries, onion rings, or a simple tomato soup.

For drinks, a cold beer or a fizzy soda complements the savory richness of the bake perfectly. If you’re looking for something non-alcoholic, iced tea or lemonade is a refreshing choice.