Open-faced Garlic Toast Sloppy Joes

These Open-Faced Garlic Toast Sloppy Joes are a tasty and easy-to-make meal that combines the best of both worlds. Crispy garlic toast serves as the base for a savory ground beef mixture simmered in spaghetti sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, offering a comforting, hearty meal that everyone will love. Customize it to your liking with different cheeses, seasonings, or even by adding extra vegetables. Serve hot and enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal that’s sure to please.

Open-Faced Garlic Toast Sloppy Joes are a delicious and easy-to-make twist on the classic sloppy joe. This recipe combines the rich flavors of ground beef and spaghetti sauce with the crispy, garlicky goodness of toasted bread. Topped with melted mozzarella cheese, these open-faced sandwiches are sure to be a hit with the whole family. Let's take a look at the ingredients you'll need to create this satisfying meal.

INGREDIENTS

• Ground Beef: 1 pound, the main protein in the dish, providing a hearty and flavorful base.
• Kosher Salt: To taste, used to season the beef during cooking.
• Ground Black Pepper: To taste, adding a touch of spice to the beef.
• Spaghetti Sauce: 2 cups, giving the dish a rich, tomato-based flavor. Adjust the amount to taste.
• Italian Seasoning: To taste (optional), for an extra layer of herby flavor.
• Frozen Garlic Toast: 8 slices, providing a crispy, garlicky base for the sloppy joes.
• Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded, to add a gooey, melty topping.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish, adding a fresh and vibrant finish.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the garlic toast package. This will ensure the bread is ready when the meat mixture is finished.

Step 2:

While the oven is preheating, crumble the ground beef into a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef with kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to prevent the mixture from becoming greasy.

Step 3:

Stir in the spaghetti sauce, adding more or less depending on your preference for sauciness. If desired, sprinkle in Italian seasoning to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow it to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened.

Step 4:

While the meat mixture is simmering, bake the garlic toast according to the package instructions until it is golden and crispy. The garlic flavor in the toast will complement the savory meat sauce perfectly.

Step 5:

Once the garlic toast is ready, remove it from the oven. Spoon a generous amount of the meat mixture over each slice of garlic toast, ensuring the toast is fully covered. Then, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of each slice.

Step 6:

Return the topped garlic toast to the oven and turn on the broiler. Broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Step 7:

Serve the Open-Faced Garlic Toast Sloppy Joes hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy this hearty, comforting dish with your favorite sides.

Serving and Storage Tips

Open-Faced Garlic Toast Sloppy Joes are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, while the cheese is still melty and the garlic toast is crispy. These make a great weeknight dinner or a fun option for a casual gathering. Serve with a side of salad, steamed vegetables, or even a simple pasta dish to complement the rich flavors of the sloppy joes.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the sloppy joes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melted again. Be sure to reheat the garlic toast separately to keep it crispy.

Helpful Notes

This recipe is highly adaptable. You can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a bit of spice, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. For a more indulgent twist, use a combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for extra gooeyness.

For a healthier version, try using whole wheat garlic toast or a gluten-free option if needed. Additionally, you can sneak in some extra vegetables by adding finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture.

Tips from well-known chefs

Chef Bobby Flay recommends using high-quality ground beef for the best flavor and texture. He also suggests toasting the garlic bread lightly before adding the meat mixture to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Chef Rachael Ray advises preparing the meat mixture ahead of time and storing it in the refrigerator. This way, you can quickly assemble the sloppy joes when you’re ready to serve.

Chef Guy Fieri suggests adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before broiling for an extra burst of flavor.