Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a healthier option)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Garlic Bread:
- 4 hoagie or sub rolls (or Italian bread)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
How to Make Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Bread
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Spread on Bread: Cut the hoagie rolls in half and spread the garlic butter mixture generously on each half.
- Bake: Place the prepared rolls on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy.
Step 2: Make the Sloppy Joe Filling
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Beef: Add minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
- Mix in Marinara: Drain any excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Sloppy Joes
- Fill the Rolls: Once the garlic bread is ready, remove it from the oven and spoon the Sloppy Joe filling onto the bottom halves of the rolls.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top of the filling if desired.
- Serve: Place the top half of the rolls on the Sloppy Joes, serve immediately, and enjoy the delicious fusion of flavors!
