Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Melts
A delicious blend of sloppy joe filling topped with melted cheese and served on buttery garlic bread, perfect for game night or a cozy gathering.
Ingredients
Sloppy Joe Filling
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey Use turkey for a leaner option.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar Balances the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly
- 4 slices thick-cut bread (like sourdough or ciabatta) Sturdy bread is preferred.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese For melting on top.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds extra flavor.
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened For spreading on bread.
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional) Adds color and freshness.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook on low heat for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Assembly and Baking
- Take the slices of bread and spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice.
- Place the bread, buttered side down, on a baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture onto each slice, then top with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Optional: For a crispier finish, broil on high for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
You can make the sloppy joe mixture a day ahead and refrigerate; assemble and bake when guests arrive. Use leftover sandwich bread or add hot sauce for added spice.