Name: Sloppy Joe Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (14 ounce) loaf Italian bread; 8 tablespoons softened butter; 1/3 cup fresh parsley; 4 cloves garlic; Kosher salt, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup petite diced yellow onion; 3/4 cup petite diced green bell pepper; 3 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 pound ground beef (85/15); 8 ounce can tomato sauce; 1/2 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; Kosher salt, to taste; Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste; 6 ounces shredded cheese (sharp cheddar + mozzarella blend); Fresh parsley, for garnish

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 15 reviews

If you are craving a dish that combines all the comfort of a classic sloppy joe with the indulgent, gooey goodness of garlic cheese bread, look no further than this Sloppy Joe Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe. It’s the perfect meal for a casual gathering or a cozy night in, loaded with savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, melted cheese, and an herby, garlicky crust that will have you coming back for every last bite. Trust me, once you try this, Sloppy Joe Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe will become your new go-to comfort food sensation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows many ingredients laid out on a white marbled surface. Starting from the left, there is a bunch of green parsley, a white bowl with white chopped onions, another white bowl with green chopped bell peppers, and a white bowl with yellow and white shredded cheese. Next to those is a white bowl with raw ground beef. On a small metal tray, there is a whole golden brown loaf of bread with a long cut on top. Above the cheese and veggies, there is a white bowl with light yellow cubed butter, a small white bowl containing a dollop of red tomato paste, a white bowl with brown sauce, a white bowl of grated garlic, a small white bowl of yellow mustard, a can with its lid open showing red tomato sauce, and a white bowl with whole garlic cloves. The items are arranged neatly with clear colors and textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering a handful of straightforward ingredients is all you need to create this exciting dish. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and satisfying textures—from the buttery garlic bread base to the rich sloppy joe filling and the melty cheese topping that pulls it all together beautifully.

Italian bread (1 loaf): A sturdy, crusty base perfect for holding all the delicious fillings without getting soggy.
Butter (8 tablespoons, softened): Adds richness and creates the perfect spread for the garlic parsley mixture.
Fresh parsley (1/3 cup): Brightens and freshens the garlic butter with vibrant herbal notes.
Garlic (7 cloves, divided): Gives the bread a pungent, irresistible aroma and the sloppy joe mixture a deep savory punch.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Sautés the vegetables gently to release their subtle sweetness.
Yellow onion (1 cup petite diced): Adds natural sweetness and texture to the beef mixture.
Green bell pepper (3/4 cup petite diced): Provides a pleasant crunch and zesty flavor contrast.
Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Concentrates the tomato flavor for a rich, robust sauce.
Ground beef (1 pound, 85/15): The hearty protein that makes this sloppy joe filling so satisfying and meaty.
Tomato sauce (8-ounce can): Creates a smooth base for the sloppy joe sauce.
Ketchup (1/2 cup): Brings a touch of sweetness and tang to balance out the savory flavors.
Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Enhances the sauce with subtle caramel undertones.
Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds depth and a slight umami kick to the beef mixture.
Yellow mustard (1 tablespoon): Cuts through the richness with a gentle tanginess.
Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate every element of the recipe.
Shredded cheese (6 ounces, sharp cheddar + mozzarella): Melts into a golden layer of cheesy heaven topping the entire dish.

How to Make Sloppy Joe Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Toast the Garlic Bread

Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees and slicing the Italian bread in half lengthwise, giving you two equal pieces. The hearty bread is your canvas here. Next, combine softened butter, fresh parsley, garlic cloves, and a pinch of kosher salt in a food processor until smooth. This garlicky butter spread is what will turn your bread into a fragrant, golden masterpiece. Spread this mixture generously over the cut sides of the bread and bake for about 10-12 minutes until the edges turn beautifully toasty and golden brown.

Step 2: Cook the Veggies and Beef

While your bread is baking, heat olive oil in a large sauté pan on medium-high. Toss in the petite diced onion and green bell pepper with a pinch of salt and pepper; cook for about 5 minutes until they soften and release their sweetness. Then add the finely minced garlic and tomato paste, stirring constantly for around 30 seconds to bring out their rich flavors. Add the ground beef seasoned lightly with salt and pepper and cook while breaking it up until no longer pink and nicely browned.

Step 3: Simmer the Sloppy Joe Sauce

Next up is building that delectable sloppy joe sauce. Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard along with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Allow this mixture to gently simmer over medium to medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, giving it time to thicken and the flavors to meld into something truly mouthwatering.

Step 4: Assemble and Broil the Bread

Spoon the savory sloppy joe mixture evenly over each garlic bread half, then blanket them generously with shredded cheese. Pop the bread under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, just until that cheese melts luxuriously and bubbles into golden perfection. Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness before slicing and serving.

How to Serve Sloppy Joe Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe

Two long pieces of toasted bread lie side by side on a silver baking tray over a white marbled surface. Each slice has a base layer of green herb spread that looks fresh and slightly chunky, covering the entire surface of the bread. On top of the herb layer, a thick, rich brown meat sauce with visible small pieces of ground meat and diced onions covers each slice almost completely, with a shiny and moist texture. The herbs contrast with the deep, warm color of the sauce, and the toasted bread edges are golden brown. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is not only visually appealing but adds a bright, herbal lift that cuts through the richness wonderfully. Feel free to add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat to contrast with the cheesy, meaty goodness.

Side Dishes

This Sloppy Joe Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or crunchy coleslaw to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or crispy oven fries make perfect companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, turn the garlic bread into mini sliders by slicing it into smaller portions or serve alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup for a cozy comfort food feast. You might even chop the leftover sloppy joe mixture and use it as a dip for chips or fresh veggies for a party-ready snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, wrap any leftover sloppy joe garlic cheese bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making for a delicious next-day treat.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled but unbroiled sloppy joe garlic cheese bread by wrapping it in foil and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then broil as directed to melt the cheese.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, the oven is your best friend—pop the bread in a 350-degree oven for 10-15 minutes to warm through and revive that crispy crust. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the bread from becoming soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Italian bread works beautifully due to its firm texture, you can also use French bread or a sturdy baguette. Just make sure the bread is thick enough to hold the topping without falling apart.

Is it possible to make a vegetarian version?

Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms for a savory, meat-free alternative that still packs plenty of flavor.

Can I prepare the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time?

For sure! The sloppy joe filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready, just reheat it gently before assembling the garlic cheese bread.

What cheeses work best for melting on top?

The combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella is perfect for flavor and meltability, but you can also experiment with Monterey Jack, provolone, or even pepper jack if you want a bit of spice.

How spicy is this Sloppy Joe Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe?

This recipe is mild and approachable, but you can easily adjust the heat level by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sloppy joe sauce, making it suit your personal taste.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like biting into the warm, cheesy comfort of this Sloppy Joe Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe. It brings together all the best parts of a sloppy joe sandwich with the addictively crispy, garlicky goodness of homemade cheese bread. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just indulging yourself, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple. So roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and get ready to make a dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to make!