Get ready for a flavor explosion that combines two all-time comfort food champions: classic Sloppy Joes and irresistible garlic bread! These Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Melts feature savory, rich sloppy joe meat piled high onto crispy, buttery garlic bread, then topped with a generous blend of melted mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s a hearty, incredibly flavorful, and easy-to-make open-faced sandwich that’s perfect for a fun family dinner, a casual gathering, or whenever you crave pure, cheesy comfort.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is a stroke of genius, combining the best of so many beloved comfort foods! What I love most is how it takes the nostalgic, messy goodness of a Sloppy Joe and elevates it with the aromatic crunch of garlic bread. The savory ground beef and onion mixture, simmered in that classic tangy-sweet sauce, is perfectly balanced by the two kinds of melted cheese that get wonderfully bubbly and golden. It’s quick to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and always a huge hit with both kids and adults. Plus, it’s a fun, interactive meal that’s a welcome change from typical weeknight fare!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these incredibly comforting Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Melts:
- 1 loaf Italian bread (or French bread/baguette)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 lb ground beef (lean recommended, like 85/15 or 90/10)
- ¼ cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp yellow mustard (prepared)
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Swaps and Notes
- Italian Bread: A fresh loaf of Italian bread works great. French bread, ciabatta, or even thick-cut sourdough could also be used.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened unsalted butter for the garlic bread. Salted butter can be used, but adjust the garlic salt accordingly.
- Garlic Salt: Adds both garlic flavor and salt to the bread. You can use garlic powder and separate salt if preferred.
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is recommended to prevent the sloppy joe mixture from being too greasy. Ground turkey can be used for a lighter version.
- Yellow Onion: Finely chopped yellow onion blends seamlessly into the sloppy joe mixture.
- Yellow Mustard: Classic prepared yellow mustard adds a tangy kick. Dijon can be substituted for a different flavor.
- Ketchup: Your favorite brand of ketchup.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Season to taste for the sloppy joe mixture.
- Water: Helps thin the sauce slightly and allows flavors to meld.
- Shredded Mozzarella & Sharp Cheddar: The combination provides great melt and a balanced cheesy flavor. Other melting cheeses like provolone, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend would also be delicious.
- Fresh Parsley: For a pop of color and freshness as a garnish.
Instructions
Let’s get these delicious Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Melts baked!
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Garlic Bread: Take the loaf of Italian bread. Slice it lengthwise (if not already cut) or into thick individual slices. In a small bowl, combine the ½ cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 teaspoon of garlic salt. Mix well. Generously spread this garlic butter mixture over one side of each bread half (or slice). Arrange the garlic-buttered bread halves (or slices) on a large baking sheet, buttered side up. Set aside.
- Brown Beef and Onions: In a large skillet, cook the 1 lb of ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Add the ¼ cup of finely chopped yellow onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and crumbled, and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Simmer Sloppy Joe Sauce: Add the ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of yellow mustard, ¾ cup of ketchup, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ cup of water to the browned beef and onion mixture in the skillet. Stir everything well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired sloppy joe consistency (about 5-7 minutes).
- Assemble the Melts: Remove the baking sheet with the garlic bread from the oven (no need to pre-bake the bread). Evenly spread a generous layer of the hot Sloppy Joe mix over the garlic-buttered side of each bread half. Top the Sloppy Joe mixture generously with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet back into the preheated oven. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. The garlic bread should be perfectly toasted and golden brown on the bottom.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the melts from the oven. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, gooey layers of cheese, savory beef, and tangy sloppy joe sauce in each delicious bite!
Tips for Success
- Softened Butter: Ensure the butter for the garlic bread is truly softened for easy, even spreading.
- Drain Beef Thoroughly: Removing excess fat from the ground beef is key for a less greasy sloppy joe mixture.
- Simmer Sauce to Thicken: Allow the sloppy joe sauce to simmer until it’s nice and thick; a watery sauce can make the bread soggy.
- Generous Cheese: Don’t skimp on the cheese! It’s crucial for the “melt” aspect of these sandwiches.
- Serve Immediately: These melts are best served hot and fresh, when the cheese is perfectly melted and the bread is crispy.
- Customizable Heat: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sloppy joe mix.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Melts are a complete and satisfying meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with classic comfort food sides:
- Crispy French Fries or Tater Tots: The ultimate side for any cheesy, meaty sandwich.
- Coleslaw: A cool, creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast.
- Dill Pickles: Tangy dill pickle spears offer a nice acidic balance.
- Side Salad: A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette.
- For other incredibly popular cheesy beef dishes, consider our Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole or a comforting pasta like Cowboy Spaghetti.
Storage and Leftover Tips
These melts are best enjoyed fresh for optimal crispness.
- Sloppy Joe Mixture: The cooked sloppy joe meat can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 2-3 months.
- Garlic Bread: Garlic butter can be spread on bread ahead of time and stored wrapped at room temperature for a day, but the bread is best toasted fresh.
- Assembled Melts: Assembled melts do not store well. Reheat the sloppy joe mixture and assemble fresh.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the cheesy, savory, and comforting nature of these Sloppy Joe melts, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes:
- For another amazing cheesy sandwich twist, check out our Jalapeño Popper Patty Melt!
- If you’re a fan of unique, cheesy creations, you must try How I Turned a Classic Sandwich into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip.
- And for a delicious and cheesy Italian-American bake, our Mozzarella Cheesesteak Stromboli is a fun, crowd-pleasing option!
- Finally, for another incredibly popular cheesy dip that disappears fast, our This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is The Reason I Never Have Leftovers is always a winner.
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Melts are a brilliant solution for bringing a truly comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal to your table with ease. They’re perfect for a fun family dinner, a casual gathering, or simply when you crave pure, unadulterated comfort food bliss.
Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen! What’s your favorite way to make a classic sandwich extra special? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy baking!
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