Mississippi Sloppy Joes layered on buttery garlic bread—juicy, bold, and packed with comfort. A crave-worthy dinner that hits every cozy note.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The lineup for Mississippi Sloppy Joes on Garlic Bread is delightfully straightforward, but each ingredient is chosen for its power to transform every bite. From the juicy ground beef to the crispy golden bread and those tangy pepperoncini slices, nothing here is extra—every piece brings something essential to the table.
- Garlic bread Texas toast (1 pack, 8 count): These thick, buttery slices become perfectly crisp in the oven and hold up to all the saucy goodness.
- Ground beef (1 1/2 lbs): The heart of your filling; opt for 80/20 for the juiciest, most flavorful bites.
- Beef broth (3/4 cup): Deepens the meaty richness and keeps the filling moist but never soupy.
- Ranch seasoning (2 tbsp): Adds a creamy, herby tang that pairs perfectly with the zing of the pepperoncini.
- Au jus gravy mix (1 packet): Brings a rich, savory depth like traditional Mississippi flavors.
- Sliced pepperoncinis (1/2 cup): A must-have for their zesty crunch and subtle heat.
- Pepperoncini juice (1/4 cup): Don’t skip this magic elixir—it’s what gives the dish its signature tang.
- Provolone cheese (8 slices): For melty layers that beautifully balance the boldness of the filling.
- Black pepper, to taste: A fresh sprinkle at the end wakes up all the flavors.
How to Make Mississippi Sloppy Joes on Garlic Bread
Step 1: Bake the Garlic Toast
Your foundation for Mississippi Sloppy Joes on Garlic Bread is that golden, aromatic Texas toast. Bake the garlic bread slices just as the package suggests—this gives them irresistible crispy edges and a buttery center that soaks up all the juices later without getting soggy. While the bread turns golden, you’ll have the perfect window to prep the dreamy filling.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as you go. Cook until no pink remains and it’s deeply browned for maximum flavor. Drain off any excess fat—this helps keep the finished dish rich but not greasy. Now’s your moment to season with a pinch of black pepper, so the flavors start to layer early.
Step 3: Build the Bold Flavors
Time for the magic! Stir in the beef broth, ranch seasoning, au jus packet, pepperoncini slices, and their tangy juice. This is where the Mississippi magic happens—a blend of savory, tangy, and just a hint of heat. Let everything bubble together for about 5 minutes, allowing the filling to thicken slightly into a spoonable, flavorful mixture that clings perfectly to your toast.
Step 4: Make Space for the Filling
Once that garlic bread emerges hot from the oven, gently use the back of a spoon to press down the center of each slice. This creates a little well—like a boat—for your sloppy joe mixture, so none of that deliciousness slides off. It’s a genius party trick that keeps your hands (and your guests’) a little cleaner, too!
Step 5: Assemble and Add Cheese
Generously spoon the Mississippi sloppy joe mixture onto each slice of garlic bread. Layer on a slice of provolone cheese and crown it all with a fresh grinding of pepper. The cheese seals in the juicy filling and melts into every nook and cranny, promising a bite you’ll dream about.
Step 6: Melt and Serve
Pop everything back in the oven for about 5 minutes—just until the cheese is ooey-gooey and bubbly. You’ll see golden, crispy edges and smell that mouthwatering aroma wafting through your kitchen. Mississippi Sloppy Joes on Garlic Bread are best served piping hot, with cheese strings stretching as you lift each piece.
How to Serve Mississippi Sloppy Joes on Garlic Bread
Garnishes
A handful of fresh chopped parsley or green onions livens up the rich, cheesy topping with a pop of color and freshness. For a hint of extra zing, add a couple more sliced pepperoncinis on top. A few folks even like a drizzle of ranch or a dusting of Parmesan—it’s your masterpiece, make it your own!
Side Dishes
Balance all the bold flavors with crisp, crunchy sides. Mississippi Sloppy Joes on Garlic Bread are perfection next to a simple green salad, crunchy coleslaw, or classic kettle chips. For a heartier meal, roasted potatoes or baked beans turn this into an easy feast for a hungry crowd.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow a crowd, try cutting the finished garlic toasts into appetizer bites—with toothpicks, they’re an instant party favorite. Or, serve the sloppy joe filling in a big bowl with slices of garlic bread on the side, letting everyone build their own. Kids love the “build-your-own” approach, and adults love the extra crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Mississippi Sloppy Joes on Garlic Bread cool to room temperature, then tuck them in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors mellow and meld overnight, so they’re just as delicious the next day. They’ll keep well for up to three days—perfect for speedy lunches or snacks!
Freezing
The sloppy joe filling itself freezes beautifully. Simply scoop the cooled beef mixture into freezer bags or containers and store for up to 2 months. For the best results, freeze the garlic bread and cheese separately, then assemble and bake fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
When it’s time to reheat, pop the assembled Mississippi Sloppy Joes on Garlic Bread into a 350°F oven, uncovered, for 10–12 minutes or until hot and bubbly. The cheese will remelt and the bread crisps up again—almost as good as new! If reheating just the filling, zap it in a skillet or microwave and then build your toasts fresh for best results.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Provolone is classic for its melt and mild bite, but mozzarella, pepper jack, or even sharp cheddar are all great choices. Each brings a slightly different vibe to Mississippi Sloppy Joes on Garlic Bread, so feel free to get creative.
How spicy are the pepperoncinis?
Pepperoncinis deliver more tang than heat, so you’re safe even for those who prefer mild flavors. If you want more kick, swap in some hot cherry peppers or a dash of hot sauce. For a completely mild version, leave them out (though you’ll miss some signature zing!).
Can I make these gluten-free?
Definitely! Look for gluten-free garlic bread or make your own using your favorite gluten-free baguette and garlic butter. Make sure your au jus mix is gluten-free as well, and the rest of the ingredients are naturally safe.
Can I prepare these ahead for a party?
You can! Prepare the sloppy joe filling and bake your garlic bread toasts in advance. At party time, simply assemble, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly. This makes Mississippi Sloppy Joes on Garlic Bread a fantastic make-ahead dish for gatherings.
What protein substitutions work for the filling?
Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter but still flavorful alternative if you want to change things up. You could even try a plant-based ground for a vegetarian spin—just adjust seasonings to taste so the filling is big and bold.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to whip up Mississippi Sloppy Joes on Garlic Bread as I am to share them! This recipe takes everything we love about comfort food and gives it a fresh, zippy twist. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, each bite bursts with flavor and fun. Go on, preheat that oven—you’re just thirty minutes away from delicious!
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Mississippi Sloppy Joes on Garlic Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Mississippi Sloppy Joes on Garlic Bread is a bold twist on a classic comfort food, combining savory seasoned ground beef, zesty pepperoncinis, and melty provolone atop crispy garlic Texas toast. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this easy main course features the irresistible flavors of Mississippi roast with the gooey, satisfying bite of a Sloppy Joe—no buns required.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Bread Base
- 1 pack (8 count) garlic bread Texas toast
For the Beef Filling
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp ranch seasoning
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncinis
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini juice
- Black pepper, to taste
For Topping
- 8 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- Bake the Garlic Toast: Preheat your oven and arrange the garlic Texas toast slices on a baking sheet. Bake them according to the package instructions until golden and crisp.
- Prepare the Beef Filling: In a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat, crumble in the ground beef and cook until completely browned, breaking up any large pieces. Drain any excess fat and season lightly with black pepper.
- Add Seasonings and Simmer: Add the beef broth, ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, sliced pepperoncinis, and pepperoncini juice to the beef. Mix well, then bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken and the flavors to meld.
- Prep Garlic Toast for Filling: Once the toast has finished baking, use the back of a spoon to gently press down the center of each slice. This creates a little well to help hold the sloppy joe filling.
- Assemble Sloppy Joes: Spoon generous amounts of the beef mixture onto each prepared toast slice. Top each one with a slice of provolone cheese. Sprinkle with additional black pepper if desired.
- Melt the Cheese: Return the assembled toasts to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the provolone is melted, bubbly, and just beginning to brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately while hot and gooey. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if desired.
- If you prefer more heat, add extra pepperoncinis or a dash of hot sauce.
- For a crispier bite, broil for the final 1-2 minutes after adding cheese.
- Great for meal prep—store leftover filling and toast separately and assemble just before serving.
- Swap provolone for mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 prepared slice
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1170mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 65mg