Simple Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes (Print version)

Saucy ground beef piled onto toasted garlic bread with melted cheese, an easy 30-minute dinner that eats like a sandwich and a casserole.

# Ingredients:

For the sloppy joe filling

01 - 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
02 - 1/2 cup (75 g) finely diced yellow onion
03 - 1/3 cup (50 g) finely diced green bell pepper
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 3/4 cup (180 g) ketchup
06 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
07 - 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
08 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the garlic bread

13 - 1 loaf frozen garlic bread, about 10-12 oz (285-340 g)
14 - 1 cup (115 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
15 - 1/2 cup (55 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
16 - 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or sliced scallions, optional
17 - Pickle chips or pickled jalapenos, optional for serving

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven according to the garlic bread package directions, usually 400°F to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or foil for easier cleanup.
02 - Bake the garlic bread cut side up until crisp at the edges and dry on top, about 8-10 minutes or as directed. Press a shallow channel down the center of each half with the back of a spoon.
03 - While the bread bakes, cook the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the meat, until the beef is cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
04 - Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thick and glossy.
05 - Spoon the hot sloppy joe mixture evenly over the toasted garlic bread, keeping most of the filling inside the pressed centers. Sprinkle with cheddar and mozzarella.
06 - Return the pan to the oven for 4-6 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Rest for 3-5 minutes, then slice and garnish with parsley, scallions, pickles, or jalapenos if using.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served hot, shortly after the cheese melts.
02 - The filling can be made up to 3 days ahead and reheated before assembly.
03 - Use a thick garlic bread loaf or Texas toast for the strongest base.

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