Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes

Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes take the classic, messy comfort food to a whole new level by serving the flavorful, tangy sloppy joe filling on a crispy, buttery garlic bread bun.

This twist on a traditional favorite combines the richness of garlic bread with the savory and slightly sweet sloppy joe filling, making for a deliciously satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or a fun family meal, these sloppy joes are guaranteed to be a hit!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Skillet or frying pan
• Large spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Baking sheet
• Small bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Aluminum foil (optional, for wrapping garlic bread)

Ingredients Overview

• Ground beef or turkey: The hearty base of the sloppy joe filling.
• Garlic bread: Adds a crunchy, buttery element that complements the messy, flavorful filling.
• Sloppy joe sauce: A combination of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings, giving the filling its sweet and savory flavor.
• Toppings: Optional garnishes like pickles or cheese can enhance the flavor and texture.

Ingredients

For the Sloppy Joe Filling

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Bread

• 4 large sandwich rolls or sub rolls (can use regular hamburger buns if preferred)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Garlic Bread
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the sandwich rolls or sub rolls in half lengthwise. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on the cut sides of the rolls. Place them on a baking sheet, cut side up, and bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
2. Make the Sloppy Joe Filling
   While the garlic bread is baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
   Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
3. Assemble the Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
   Once the garlic bread is ready, spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe filling onto the bottom half of each roll. Top with any additional toppings, such as cheese, pickles, or extra parsley if desired. Place the other half of the roll on top to complete the sandwich.
4. Serve
   Serve your garlic bread sloppy joes immediately while they are warm and messy. These sandwiches are perfect with a side of fries, chips, or a simple salad.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Total Time

30 minutes

Nutrition (per sandwich, ~4 servings)

• Calories: ~450
• Fat: ~25g
• Carbohydrates: ~35g
• Protein: ~25g

Expert Tips

• Customize the Meat: Feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a different protein option.
• Make It Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or chopped jalapeños to the sloppy joe mixture for a spicy kick.
• Cheese Option: Top the sloppy joe filling with a slice of cheese (cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella) before placing the top bun for a melty, cheesy version of the sandwich.
• Use Homemade Garlic Bread: For an extra special touch, make your own garlic bread from scratch using your favorite bread recipe.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sloppy joe filling ahead of time. Simply refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat when ready to serve. You can also freeze the filling for up to 3 months.

Can I use regular hamburger buns instead of sub rolls?
Absolutely! While sub rolls or sandwich rolls provide a larger surface for the filling, regular hamburger buns will work just as well.

Can I add extra vegetables to the filling?
Yes! Feel free to add finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.

Storing & Freezing

• Storing: Store leftover sloppy joe filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: The sloppy joe filling can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop before serving.

Substitutions & Variations

• Low-Carb Version: For a low-carb version, skip the buns and serve the sloppy joe filling over a bed of cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based ground meat (like lentils or vegan crumbles) instead of beef or turkey for a vegan-friendly version of this dish.
• Spicy Garlic Bread: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a bit of heat on the garlic bread.

Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes

Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes take the classic, messy comfort food to a whole new level by serving the flavorful, tangy sloppy joe filling on a crispy, buttery garlic bread bun. This twist on a traditional favorite combines the richness of garlic bread with the savory and slightly sweet sloppy joe filling, making for a deliciously satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or a fun family meal, these sloppy joes are guaranteed to be a hit!

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Equipment

• - Skillet or frying pan
• - Large spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• - Baking sheet
• - Small bowl
• - Measuring spoons
• - Aluminum foil (optional, for wrapping garlic bread)

Ingredients

  

• #### For the Sloppy Joe Filling
• - 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter version
• - 1 small onion finely chopped
• - 2 cloves garlic minced
• - 1/4 cup ketchup
• - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• - Salt and pepper to taste
• #### For the Garlic Bread
• - 4 large sandwich rolls or sub rolls can use regular hamburger buns if preferred
• - 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
• - 3 cloves garlic minced
• - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (optional)

Instructions

 

• **Prepare the Garlic Bread**
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the sandwich rolls or sub rolls in half lengthwise. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on the cut sides of the rolls. Place them on a baking sheet, cut side up, and bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
• **Make the Sloppy Joe Filling**
• While the garlic bread is baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
• Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
• **Assemble the Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes**
• Once the garlic bread is ready, spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe filling onto the bottom half of each roll. Top with any additional toppings, such as cheese, pickles, or extra parsley if desired. Place the other half of the roll on top to complete the sandwich.
• **Serve**
• Serve your garlic bread sloppy joes immediately while they are warm and messy. These sandwiches are perfect with a side of fries, chips, or a simple salad.