Step 1: Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the sauces and seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Bread
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the minced garlic, parsley, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Assemble the garlic bread: Slice the sandwich rolls or buns in half and spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on the cut sides of each half. Place the rolls on a baking sheet, cut side up.
- Toast the garlic bread: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are lightly toasted and golden brown around the edges.
- Add the cheese: Remove the rolls from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the garlic buttered sides. Return to the oven and bake for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 3: Assemble the Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
- Top the garlic bread: Spoon a generous amount of the Sloppy Joe filling onto the bottom half of each garlic bread roll.
- Finish the sandwich: Place the top half of the garlic bread roll on top, pressing down slightly.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes hot, with a side of your favorite salad, fries, or roasted vegetables.
Tips and Tricks
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Sloppy Joe filling for a bit of heat.
- Vegetarian option: Use a plant-based ground meat alternative or lentils instead of ground beef for a vegetarian version.
- Add extra flavor: Mix some Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper into the garlic butter for an extra flavor boost.
- Leftovers: The Sloppy Joe filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving.
Conclusion
Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes are a delicious fusion of two beloved comfort foods. The combination of buttery, cheesy garlic bread with a rich, tangy Sloppy Joe filling creates a sandwich that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual gathering, these Sloppy Joes are bound to be a hit.
Enjoy this fun and flavorful twist on the classic Sloppy Joe!