If you love the comforting goodness of sloppy joes and crave the irresistible charm of garlic bread, then you are absolutely going to adore this Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Melts Recipe. It takes classic sloppy joe flavors and combines them with the crispy, buttery garlic bread base, topped with a melty duo of mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses. This dish is a perfect marriage of savory, tangy, and cheesy, delivering layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering, these melts are wonderfully satisfying and incredibly easy to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for the Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Melts Recipe is a breeze because each item is straightforward but essential in building those layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish shine.
- Italian bread: A sturdy loaf that crisps up beautifully while holding the sloppy joe mixture perfectly.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps the garlic seasoning adhere evenly.
- Garlic salt: Gives the bread a wonderfully savory, garlicky punch.
- Ground beef: The hearty foundation for the sloppy joe filling.
- Yellow onion, finely chopped: Adds a sweet and slightly pungent layer that balances the beef.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the garlicky profile in the meat mixture.
- Yellow mustard: Offers a tangy zip that brightens the overall flavor.
- Ketchup: Brings sweetness and moisture to the juicy sloppy joe mix.
- Kosher salt: Seasoning that helps all ingredients sing together.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat and depth.
- Water: Keeps the mixture tender and saucy.
- Shredded mozzarella: Melts beautifully, providing creamy stretchiness.
- Shredded sharp cheddar: Packs a punch of cheese flavor with a bit of tang.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A bright, fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Melts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter and Bread
Start by softening the butter and mixing it with garlic salt. Spread this fragrant garlic butter mixture generously on the sliced Italian bread. This step is crucial because it transforms the bread into a crispy, golden base with a robust garlic flavor that’s the perfect match for the sloppy joe topping.
Step 2: Cook the Sloppy Joe Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and cook until they soften and become translucent. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, then stir in the yellow mustard, ketchup, kosher salt, black pepper, and water. Let this simmer gently, melding all the flavors into a thick, rich mixture that’s just begging to be piled onto bread.
Step 3: Assemble the Melts
Spread the hot sloppy joe filling evenly over the prepared garlic bread slices. Then, generously top each slice with a blend of shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses. This combination melts into gooey perfection and adds a wonderful sharpness that complements the tangy meat sauce.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Melty
Place the assembled slices on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven until the cheese has melted and started to lightly brown, and the edges of the bread are crispy. This step gives you that irresistible cheese pull and ensures that the garlic bread is perfectly toasted underneath it all.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Melts Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a lovely burst of green but also a subtle freshness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat. It’s a simple touch that elevates the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, consider pairing these melts with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies to add crunch and lightness. A side of crunchy pickles also complements the tangy sloppy joe flavors wonderfully, balancing each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your friends or family, try cutting the melts into smaller sliders for easy sharing at a party or game day event. Alternatively, stacking two slices together as a sandwich makes for a hearty, handheld experience that’s perfect on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers of your Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Melts Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the bread and filling together helps retain their flavors and moisture.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze assembled but unbaked melts by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then placing in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. To enjoy later, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven until the cheese is melted and the bread is crisp, about 10-15 minutes. This method helps preserve the crispiness of the garlic bread and keeps the cheesy filling bubbly and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While Italian bread works beautifully for this recipe due to its crust and texture, you can also use French bread, sourdough, or even sturdy sandwich rolls. Just make sure the bread is thick enough to hold all that delicious sloppy joe filling.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based ground meat substitute or sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a delicious vegetarian version that still has plenty of savory flavor and satisfying texture.
Can I prepare the sloppy joe filling ahead of time?
Definitely. The filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready to assemble the melts, just warm the filling gently before spreading it onto the garlic bread.
What cheeses work best for melting on these melts?
A mixture of mozzarella for stretch and cheddar for sharpness is ideal, but feel free to experiment with provolone, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a little heat.
How spicy is this Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Melts Recipe?
This recipe is mild in spice, making it perfect for all ages. If you want a bit of a kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture or a dab of hot sauce on top.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistibly comforting about combining sloppy joes with cheesy garlic bread, and this Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Melts Recipe hits the spot every single time. It’s easy to make, delicious to eat, and sure to be your new go-to for a satisfying meal that brings everyone together around the table. Don’t just take my word for it — make these melts, share them, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “pass me another slice!”
Print
Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Melts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Melts are a flavorful and comforting twist on classic sloppy joes, featuring a savory ground beef mixture loaded with garlic and spices, layered on toasted Italian bread, and topped with melted mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Bread and Butter
- 1 loaf Italian bread
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp garlic salt
Sloppy Joe Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- ¼ cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup water
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the garlic butter: In a bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with garlic salt, mixing well until evenly incorporated to create a garlic butter spread.
- Slice and butter the bread: Cut the Italian bread into thick slices and spread the garlic butter mixture generously on each slice. Set aside.
- Cook the beef mixture: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add aromatics and seasonings: To the cooked beef, stir in the finely chopped yellow onion, garlic powder, yellow mustard, ketchup, kosher salt, black pepper, and water. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until thickened and well combined, about 7-10 minutes.
- Toast the bread: While the beef mixture simmers, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the garlic buttered bread slices on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until lightly golden and crisp, approximately 5 minutes.
- Assemble the melts: Remove the toasted bread from the oven and spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe beef mixture onto each slice. Then, top each with an equal mix of shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese.
- Melt the cheese: Return the assembled slices to the oven and bake until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian bread with French bread or a sturdy sandwich roll if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Let the ground beef cool slightly before topping the bread to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- To make it lower in fat, use lean ground beef and reduce the amount of butter in the garlic butter spread.
