Description
This Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes recipe combines the saucy, hearty goodness of classic sloppy joes with the buttery, garlicky crunch of Italian bread. Made with seasoned ground beef, rich tomato sauce, melty mozzarella, and crispy garlic bread, this dish is packed with bold flavors and comes together in under 30 minutes perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or game nights!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce (or marinara)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh basil and parsley, chopped
For the Garlic Bread:
- 4–6 brioche buns or ciabatta rolls
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
Instructions
- 4–6 brioche buns or ciabatta rolls
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
Instructions
- Cook the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the diced onion until translucent (2-3 minutes), then add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces (5-7 minutes).
- Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour in tomato sauce and stir in tomato paste. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
- Finish with fresh basil and parsley, then reduce heat and keep warm.
- Prepare the Garlic Bread:
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, garlic powder, and parsley.
- Spread the garlic butter on the cut sides of each bun.
- Place buns buttered-side-up on a baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
- Sprinkle mozzarella on the bottom halves of the toasted buns.
- Add a generous scoop of sloppy joe filling, then top with extra cheese.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley on top, place the bun lid on, and serve immediately!
Notes
- Toasting the buns prevents sogginess.
- Use fresh mozzarella for the best flavor.
- The sloppy joe filling can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop & Broiler
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: ~500-600 kcal
- Sugar: ~5g
- Sodium: ~800mg
- Fat: ~30g
- Saturated Fat: ~12g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Protein: ~25g
- Cholesterol: ~70mg