1. Prepare the Sloppy Joe Mixture
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and yellow mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Make the Garlic Bread
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Split the hamburger buns or sub rolls in half. Spread the garlic butter mixture generously on the cut sides of each half.
- Place the buns on a baking sheet, cut side up. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the edges are crispy.
4. Assemble the Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
- Remove the garlic bread from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto the bottom halves of the garlic bread buns.
- Place the top halves of the buns over the sloppy joe mixture, pressing down slightly to help the flavors meld together.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the garlic bread sloppy joes hot, accompanied by your favorite sides such as coleslaw, potato salad, or a fresh green salad. Enjoy the delightful combination of savory sloppy joes and garlicky, cheesy bread in every bite.
Tips and Variations: Personalizing Your Sloppy Joes
- Cheese Lovers: Add a slice of provolone or mozzarella cheese on top of the sloppy joe mixture before placing the top bun.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture for a bit of heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with lentils, textured vegetable protein (TVP), or a meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
Conclusion: A Comfort Food Classic Reinvented
Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes combine the best of two beloved comfort foods into one delicious dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or just when you’re craving something hearty and flavorful, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the rich, savory filling and the crispy, garlicky bread with every bite. Bon appétit!