Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Prepare the Garlic Bread: Slice the ciabatta loaf in half lengthwise. Spread each half with the softened butter and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the ketchup, water, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
- Assemble the Garlic Bread: Spread the sloppy joe mixture evenly over the prepared garlic bread halves. Top with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Place the garlic bread on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, slice into pieces, and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Bread: Fresh ciabatta or French bread works best for a crispy base.
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: Cook just until it’s no longer pink to keep it tender.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness: For a crispier top, broil the assembled bread for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture.
- Different Cheeses: Try using provolone, pepper jack, or a mix of your favorite cheeses.
- Meat Alternatives: Use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat substitute.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) until warmed through for best results.
Perfect for Gatherings
Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread is perfect for game days, potlucks, or casual family dinners. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredient
For the Garlic Bread
1 ciabatta loaf split in half lengthwise
2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For the Sloppy Joe Mixture
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
2 cloves garlic minced
1 1/2 cups ketchup
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
-
Prepare the Garlic Bread: Slice the ciabatta loaf in half lengthwise. Spread each half with the softened butter and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
-
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat.
-
Add the Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
-
Make the Sauce: Stir in the ketchup, water, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
-
Assemble the Garlic Bread: Spread the sloppy joe mixture evenly over the prepared garlic bread halves. Top with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
-
Bake: Place the garlic bread on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Serve: Remove from the oven, slice into pieces, and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
