Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread

Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread — toasted garlic bread loaded with saucy ground beef and melty cheese, a bold twist on a classic favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes two favorites—Sloppy Joes and garlic bread—and transforms them into a single, easy-to-make dish that everyone will love. It’s baked in the oven, making it simple to prepare and even easier to clean up. The bread stays crunchy on the bottom and loaded on top with juicy, seasoned beef and a generous layer of melty cheese. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry family or entertaining a crowd.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf Italian bread (16 oz), sliced in half lengthwise
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ketchup
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ½ cup water
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up. Brush each with olive oil.
3. Bake for 5–7 minutes until lightly toasted.
4. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
5. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is soft.
6. Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, water, salt, and pepper.
7. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
8. Spread the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly over the toasted bread halves.
9. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
10. Bake for another 10 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
11. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Slice and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
• Calories per serving: Approximately 480 kcal

Variations

• Spicy version: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
• Different cheese: Try provolone, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend for more flavor.
• Mini version: Use small rolls or slider buns for party-friendly portions.
• Vegetarian twist: Substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles.
• BBQ style: Replace ketchup with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.

Storage/Reheating

Wrap leftover slices in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for 30–60 seconds, though the bread will be softer.

FAQs

Can I use French bread instead of Italian bread?

Yes, any sturdy loaf with a crusty outside will work well for this recipe.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Mozzarella melts well, but cheddar adds more flavor. A mix of both is ideal.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the meat mixture ahead and store it separately. Assemble and bake just before serving.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, wrap the bread tightly and freeze. Reheat in the oven to maintain texture.

How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

Toasting it first before adding the meat helps create a barrier and keeps it crisp.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely—kids love the cheesy, tangy flavor and the fun, handheld serving style.

Can I add vegetables to the meat mixture?

Yes, finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even grated carrots work well.

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely—ground turkey or chicken are great lighter alternatives.

What sides go well with this?

Serve with a simple salad, coleslaw, or oven fries for a complete meal.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use two loaves of bread and adjust the baking sheet size accordingly.

Conclusion

Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread is the ultimate weeknight dinner upgrade—quick, comforting, and bursting with bold flavor. With crispy bread, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at the table. Whether you’re serving a hungry family or prepping for game day, this easy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

More Bold, Cheesy, and Savory Recipes to Explore

If you enjoyed the rich, satisfying flavors in Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread, these other dishes are sure to hit the spot:

• Texas Toast Sloppy Joes – A quick and hearty classic with buttery, crispy toast.
• Crispy Amish Onion Fritters – Golden, crunchy bites packed with sweet onion flavor.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread Meatball Muffins – The perfect party snack full of meaty, cheesy goodness.
• Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs – A mash-up of comfort food favorites, crisped to perfection.
• Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Macaroni Bliss – Sweet, spicy, and creamy pasta comfort at its best.

Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread

---

• Author: Chef Clara
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread is a crave-worthy combination of crispy garlic bread, seasoned beef, and melty cheese—all baked together into one irresistible, hearty meal that’s ready in minutes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 loaf Italian bread (16 oz), sliced in half lengthwise
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ketchup
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ½ cup water
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut side up. Brush each with olive oil.
3. Bake for 5–7 minutes until lightly toasted.
4. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
5. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is soft.
6. Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, water, salt, and pepper.
7. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
8. Spread the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly over the toasted bread halves.
9. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
10. Bake for another 10 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
11. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Slice and serve hot.

Notes

• Use French bread as a substitute if Italian bread isn’t available.
• Can be prepped ahead and baked just before serving.
• Add red pepper flakes for a spicier version.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 690 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg