Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes

Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes are a quick and easy twist on the classic American favorite! Made with homemade sloppy joe filling, buttery garlic bread, and melted cheddar cheese, this 30-minute recipe is comfort food at its finest. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or easy family dinner!

Classic Sloppy Joes are a tried-and-true family favorite and a recipe you most likely grew up enjoying! Simple, tasty, and ready in no time, they’re a meal staple for busy weeknights. This Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes variation swaps the traditional hamburger bun for buttery garlic bread, adding even more flavor while keeping the same great messy goodness in every bite! If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole or Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread next!

Ingredient Notes

For exact ingredient amounts and step-by-step directions, see the printable recipe card below.

• Ground Beef: I use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor, but ground turkey works well too.
• Frozen Garlic Bread: A frozen garlic bread loaf is my favorite because it gets buttery and crisp while holding the sloppy joe filling. Texas Toast works great too.
• Ground Cloves: The secret ingredient in my family’s sloppy joe recipe! It adds just a hint of warm flavor that makes the filling extra delicious.
• Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar melts best, but mozzarella, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack are all great options.

Substitutions & Variations

• Garlic Bread: Instead of frozen garlic bread, use Texas Toast, French bread, Italian bread, or homemade garlic bread. Just follow the package instructions or recipe directions before adding the sloppy joe filling.
• Sloppy Joe Sauce: If you’re short on time, replace the homemade sloppy joe sauce with Manwich or your favorite canned sloppy joe sauce. You’ll need about 2 cups of sauce per pound of ground beef.
• Cheese: Swap the cheddar cheese for mozzarella, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or your favorite shredded cheese blend.
• Ground Meat: Ground turkey is a great lean substitute for the ground beef. Ground chicken, pork, or Italian sausage also work well and add their own unique flavor.

How to Make Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes

Step 1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink and crumbly. Drain any excess grease and return the beef to the skillet.

Step 2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, then continue cooking until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent.

Step 3. Stir in the remaining ingredients and simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sloppy joe mixture has thickened.

Step 4. Cut the garlic bread in half horizontally and spread the sloppy joe filling evenly over both pieces. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Step 5. Place both garlic bread halves on a baking sheet and bake in a 375-degree oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is golden brown.

Step 6. Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing into your desired size pieces. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips

• Drain the grease well. Removing excess grease keeps the sloppy joe filling from becoming too oily.
• Simmer until thickened. Let the filling simmer until it thickens slightly so it stays on the garlic bread without making it soggy.
• Use freshly shredded cheese. It melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese for the best cheesy topping.
• Bake until golden. The garlic bread should be crisp around the edges and the cheese melted and bubbly before serving.
• Serve right away. Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes are best enjoyed fresh while the bread is crisp and the cheese is warm.

Best Bread for Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes

Frozen garlic bread is my favorite choice because it bakes up buttery and crisp while holding the sloppy joe filling without getting soggy. A frozen garlic bread loaf works especially well, but Texas Toast garlic bread is another great option if you prefer individual servings. You can also use French bread or Italian bread by slicing the loaf in half, spreading it with garlic butter, and lightly toasting it before adding the filling and cheese.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. For the best texture, store the sloppy joe filling separately from the garlic bread whenever possible.
• Reheat: Warm the sloppy joe filling in the microwave or on the stove until heated through. Reheat the assembled garlic bread sloppy joes in a 375-degree oven or air fryer for 5-7 minutes, or until the bread is crisp and the cheese is melted.
• Freeze: The sloppy joe filling can be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The garlic bread is best made fresh and isn’t recommended for freezing after baking.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with French fries, potato wedges, or tater tots for a classic diner-style meal.
• Pair with coleslaw, ultimate potato salad, or macaroni salad for an easy summer dinner.
• Add a side of fresh fruit salad, steamed vegetables, or a green salad to balance out the meal.
• Enjoy with pickle spears or potato chips for a quick lunch or game day spread.
• Cut into smaller pieces and serve as a party appetizer for potlucks, tailgates, or gatherings.

Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes Recipe FAQs

More Ground Beef Recipes You’ll Love

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