Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Melts are packed with flavor and make the perfect meal for any occasion. Here’s why you’ll love them:

Perfect Combination: The crunchy garlic bread, savory sloppy joe filling, and gooey cheese blend together in every bite, offering the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Quick and Easy: With only 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes total, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Customizable: You can swap ground beef for turkey or even add extra toppings like pickles or fresh herbs to suit your taste.
Satisfying Comfort Food: This dish is hearty, filling, and sure to satisfy your cravings for something indulgent and comforting.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound ground beef or turkey
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
4 slices thick-cut bread (sourdough or ciabatta work great)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter, softened
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

Directions

Cook the Meat Mixture:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat.
Add Onion and Garlic:
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce:
Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Garlic Bread:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread.
Assemble the Melts:
Place the buttered slices of bread, buttered side down, on a baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture onto each slice. Top with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. For a crispier finish, you can broil on high for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Serve and Garnish:
Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Ground Meat Alternatives: Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner option instead of ground beef.
Cheese Options: Swap out mozzarella for cheddar or provolone cheese, or add a mix of cheeses for a unique flavor.
Make it Spicy: Add a few dashes of hot sauce, chili flakes, or jalapeños to the sloppy joe mixture for an extra kick.
Extra Toppings: Top your melts with sliced pickles, fresh basil, or even some sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover cheesy garlic bread sloppy joe melts can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly again. Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of bread for the melts?

Yes, you can use any thick-cut bread, such as brioche, focaccia, or even a baguette, for a different flavor and texture.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sloppy joe filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble the melts and bake them right before serving.

3. Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the ground beef with lentils, soy crumbles, or any plant-based meat alternative to make this dish vegetarian or vegan.

4. Can I freeze the sloppy joe mixture?

Yes, you can freeze the sloppy joe filling for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat before assembling the melts.

5. How can I make the melts spicier?

Add a little hot sauce, diced jalapeños, or red pepper flakes to the sloppy joe mixture to give it some extra heat.

6. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! You can swap the mozzarella for cheddar, provolone, or even a mix of cheeses to suit your preferences.

7. Can I use homemade sloppy joe sauce?

Yes, you can make your own sloppy joe sauce with tomato paste, vinegar, and spices. Just adjust the flavors to your liking.

8. How do I make the bread extra crispy?

To achieve an extra-crispy finish, you can broil the melts for 1-2 minutes after baking. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

9. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free bread to make the dish gluten-free. Make sure to check all other ingredients for gluten content.

10. Can I add vegetables to the sloppy joe mixture?

Yes, you can add finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to the sloppy joe mixture for added nutrition and flavor.

Conclusion

Homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Melts are the perfect combination of cheesy, savory, and comforting flavors. Whether you’re preparing a quick family dinner or impressing guests at a casual gathering, this easy recipe is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings. With the rich, flavorful sloppy joe filling and gooey melted cheese on buttery garlic bread, these melts are a guaranteed hit every time.

Homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Melts Recipe

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Author: Paula
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

Homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Melts combine the savory goodness of ground beef, melted mozzarella, and buttery garlic bread, offering the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, these melts are sure to impress with their irresistible flavor and gooey texture.

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread.
Place the buttered slices of bread, buttered side down, on a baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture onto each slice. Top with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. For a crispier finish, broil on high for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

You can swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

Try using different cheeses like cheddar or provolone for a unique flavor.

For a spicier version, add hot sauce, chili flakes, or jalapeños to the sloppy joe mixture.

Add extra toppings like pickles, fresh basil, or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor.

To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free bread.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Oven, Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 510
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 830mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 65mg