Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread Bake
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup tomato sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 loaf of garlic bread (store-bought or homemade)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions:
Make the Sloppy Joe Filling:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic, cooking until the vegetables soften (around 3-5 minutes).
Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare the Garlic Bread:
Using pre-made garlic bread: Slice the loaf horizontally in half.
For homemade garlic bread: Slice a loaf of bread in half horizontally and brush both sides with melted butter mixed with garlic powder.
Toast the garlic bread in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until crispy and golden.
Assemble the Bake:
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Lay the bottom half of the toasted garlic bread (crust down) in a baking dish.
Spread the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly over the bread.
Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat mixture.
Place the top half of the garlic bread on top (crust up).
Cheese Topping:
Brush the top of the garlic bread with the remaining melted butter and sprinkle garlic powder over it for extra flavor.
Scatter the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake:
Bake the dish for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and let the bake cool slightly before slicing.
Serve alongside fresh tomatoes or a green salad for a balanced meal.
This cheesy, hearty Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Bake is the perfect family-friendly meal!
