Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes

Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:

For the Sloppy Joe Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Garlic Bread:

• 4 hoagie rolls or sub rolls
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Red pepper flakes

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling:
   • Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
   • Add Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
   • Add Sauces and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
   • Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
2. Prepare the Garlic Bread:
   • Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Make the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until well combined.
   • Slice the Rolls: Cut the hoagie rolls or sub rolls in half lengthwise. Spread a generous amount of garlic butter on each half.
   • Bake the Bread: Place the buttered rolls on a baking sheet, cut side up. Bake in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until the bread is lightly toasted.
3. Assemble the Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes:
   • Add the Filling: Spoon a generous amount of the Sloppy Joe filling onto the bottom halves of the toasted garlic bread.
   • Add the Cheese: Sprinkle a mix of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the filling.
   • Melt the Cheese: Return the assembled sandwiches to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   • Top and Serve: Place the top halves of the garlic bread on top of the cheesy Sloppy Joe filling. If desired, garnish with additional chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
4. Serve:
   • Plate and Enjoy: Serve the Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes hot, with a side of coleslaw, fries, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Tips:

• Customize the Filling: You can add other vegetables to the Sloppy Joe filling, such as finely chopped carrots or celery, for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Make Ahead: The Sloppy Joe filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before assembling the sandwiches.
• Variation: For a spicier version, add some chopped jalapeños to the Sloppy Joe filling or use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella.

Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes!