- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Add the Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine everything.
- Simmer: Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Garlic Bread Layer
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and Italian seasoning.
- Slice the Bread: If you’re using a loaf of French bread, slice it into thick pieces (about 1 inch thick). If using pre-made garlic bread, you can skip this step.
- Toast the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the slices of bread on a baking sheet. Brush generously with the garlic butter on both sides. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until the bread is lightly golden and crisp on the edges.
Step 3: Assemble the Sloppy Joe Bake
- Layer the Sloppy Joe Filling: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the prepared sloppy joe mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Add the Cheesy Layer: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the top of the sloppy joe filling. You can add more cheese if you prefer an extra cheesy bake!
- Add the Garlic Bread: Place the toasted garlic bread slices on top of the cheese layer, slightly overlapping if needed to cover the entire surface.
Step 4: Bake the Dish
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the assembled bake into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the garlic bread is golden brown.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish: Remove the bake from the oven and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra cheese, if desired.
- Slice and Serve: Use a spatula to scoop out generous portions, making sure to get both the garlic bread topping and the cheesy sloppy joe filling in each bite. Serve with a side salad or some fries for the ultimate meal.
Tips for Success
- Customize Your Sloppy Joes: Feel free to add your favorite veggies like mushrooms or carrots to the sloppy joe filling. You can even substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Garlic Bread Hack: If you’re short on time, pre-made frozen garlic bread works just as well in this recipe. Simply bake it according to package instructions and layer it on top of the casserole.
- Cheese Variations: Swap out the cheeses with any of your favorites. Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even pepper jack can add a unique twist to the dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Garlic Bread Cheesy Sloppy Joe Bake brings together all the best parts of comfort food into one glorious dish. The rich, tangy sloppy joe mixture combined with the gooey cheese and buttery garlic bread topping is pure magic. It’s the perfect dish to make for family dinners, potlucks, or game-day gatherings.
Not only is this dish bursting with flavor, but it also offers the satisfaction of both a sandwich and a casserole. Plus, it’s a simple recipe that requires minimal cleanup—making it a weeknight winner.
So next time you’re in the mood for something cheesy, comforting, and packed with flavor, this bake will hit the spot. It’s one of those recipes that will have everyone coming back for seconds, and you’ll love how easy it is to make!
Enjoy your Garlic Bread Cheesy Sloppy Joe Bake, and don’t forget to savor every cheesy, garlicky bite!