Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Garlic Bread Cheesy Sloppy Joe Bake is the perfect comfort food mash-up. The crispy, garlicky bread layers provide a crunchy base and a delicious topping, while the sloppy joe filling adds a rich and tangy meaty center. Topped with gooey mozzarella cheese, this dish is a flavorful explosion that will please everyone at the table. It’s a one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, and the combination of sloppy joes and garlic bread is sure to be a family favorite.

Ingredients

For the Sloppy Joe Filling:

1 lb ground beef (browned in a skillet)
1 medium onion, diced
1 medium green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Bread Layer:

1 loaf garlic bread (pre-made or homemade)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Garlic Bread Cheesy Sloppy Joe Bake

Directions

Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling:

Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
Add Vegetables: Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Prepare the Garlic Bread Layer:

Prepare the Garlic Bread: If using pre-made garlic bread, slice the loaf horizontally to create two halves. If making homemade garlic bread, slice a regular loaf of bread and brush each side with a mixture of melted butter and garlic powder. Toast the bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, until golden.

Assemble the Bake:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Layer the Garlic Bread: In a baking dish, place the bottom half of the garlic bread, crust side down.
Add Sloppy Joe Filling: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture over the bread, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese over the sloppy joe layer.
Top with Garlic Bread: Place the second half of the garlic bread on top, crust side up. Brush the top bread layer with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.
Add Final Cheese Layer: Top with the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese.

Bake:

Bake the Dish: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Serve:

Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley (optional). Let the dish cool slightly before slicing. Serve with fresh tomatoes or a crisp side salad to balance the richness.

Servings and Timing

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Extra Veggies: Add additional vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the sloppy joe filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
Spicy Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the sloppy joe filling for a spicy twist.
Cheese Varieties: Mix up the mozzarella with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for a more complex flavor.

Storage/Reheating

This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply cover the dish with foil and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, though the bread may not stay as crispy.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of garlic bread?

Yes, you can use any type of bread, but garlic bread adds a special flavor. If using regular bread, be sure to brush it with garlic butter to get a similar taste.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze this bake. After assembling it, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Can I make the sloppy joe filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sloppy joe filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat the filling before assembling the bake.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes to the sloppy joe filling to give it a spicy kick.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use any cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, Swiss, or a combination of cheeses, for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

The Garlic Bread Cheesy Sloppy Joe Bake is the ultimate comfort food combination that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With its layers of savory sloppy joe filling, crispy garlic bread, and melty cheese, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. It’s easy to make, hearty, and full of flavor, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Enjoy this indulgent meal with a side salad to balance out the richness and bring even more enjoyment to your dining experience!