What’s So Great About Sloppy Joes?
There’s something incredibly satisfying about whipping up a meal on the fly, especially when it turns out as delicious as these Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes. I remember one time I had friends over, and we were having so much fun. When they arrived I wasn’t really prepared or planned on serving dinner. But as the afternoon rolled into the evening, I could tell everyone was getting hungry. Luckily, I happened to have a fresh loaf of Italian bread on hand, some ground beef in the freezer, and the rest of the ingredients were in my pantry. With a little help from my friends, we got busy in the kitchen, and before long, I was able to serve up this wonderful, fun meal. That’s what I love about Sloppy Joes—they’re easy to make, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe is perfect for those impromptu gatherings when you need something quick, tasty, and sure to impress.
Did You Know?
Sloppy Joes are a quintessential American comfort food, originating in the early 20th century. The combination of ground meat in a tangy sauce, served on soft bread, has made them a favorite for generations. By adding a garlic bread twist and a cheesy topping, this recipe takes the classic Sloppy Joe to the next level, creating a dish that’s both nostalgic and innovative. The mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses provides a perfect balance of sharpness and creaminess, while the garlic bread adds a crunchy, buttery contrast to the savory filling.
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of Italian-style bread (or comparable)
- 1 pound ground turkey or ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
Prepare the Garlic Bread:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the loaf of Italian bread in half lengthwise. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the garlic powder and chopped parsley. Spread the garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of the bread. Place the bread on a baking sheet, cut side up, and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly toasted.
Personal Tip: For an extra crispy texture, broil the garlic bread for the last minute, but watch closely to prevent burning.
Cook the Meat:
While the bread is toasting, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey or beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if using ground beef.
Personal Tip: Season the meat with a little salt and pepper as it cooks to enhance the flavor.
Add the Onion and Garlic:
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Personal Tip: For a bit of sweetness, you can add a pinch of sugar when sautéing the onions.
Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce:
Stir in the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Personal Tip: Adjust the seasoning to your taste—add a bit more Worcestershire sauce or ketchup if you like a tangier flavor.
Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
Spoon the sloppy joe mixture evenly over the toasted garlic bread. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top.
Personal Tip: Layer the cheese evenly for a gooey, melty topping that covers every bite.
Melt the Cheese:
Place the assembled Sloppy Joes back in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like a bit of browning on the cheese, you can turn on the broiler for the last minute, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Personal Tip: Let the cheese melt completely before serving to ensure each bite is perfectly cheesy.
Serve:
Cut the Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes into individual portions and serve hot. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.
Personal Tip: Serve with a simple side salad or some roasted veggies to balance out the meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 520, Protein: 28g, Carbohydrates: 40g, Sugars: 8g, Total Fat: 28g, Saturated Fat: 14g, Fiber: 2g
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
- Choosing the Right Bread: Italian-style bread is perfect for this recipe because of its sturdy texture, which holds up well to the sloppy joe mixture and garlic butter. You can also use ciabatta or French bread as alternatives.
- Ground Meat Options: Ground turkey is a leaner alternative to ground beef and works well in this recipe. If using ground beef, choose a leaner cut to reduce the amount of fat that needs to be drained off.
- Balancing Flavors: The Worcestershire sauce and mustard add a tangy depth to the sloppy joe mixture, while the ketchup provides sweetness. Adjust these ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
- Customizing the Cheese: A blend of cheddar and mozzarella gives the best of both worlds—cheddar adds sharpness, while mozzarella provides a gooey, melty texture. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
- Adding Vegetables: For extra nutrition, you can add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the sloppy joe mixture. Sauté them with the onions for a heartier filling.
- Garlic Bread Perfection: To ensure the garlic bread doesn’t become too soggy, toast it until it’s lightly crispy before adding the sloppy joe mixture. This helps maintain a good texture when the sauce is added.
- Serving Suggestions: These Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes pair well with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. They also make great party food, as they’re easy to serve and eat.
- Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store the sloppy joe mixture separately from the garlic bread. Reheat the mixture in a skillet and toast the bread just before serving to maintain the best texture.
- Freezing Tips: The sloppy joe mixture can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop. Assemble with freshly toasted garlic bread and cheese.
- Cost-Saving Tips: Buying ground meat in bulk can save money, and you can portion and freeze the extra for future meals. Look for sales on cheese, and consider shredding your own from a block, as it’s often cheaper and melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
Let’s Learn About Ground Turkey and Ground Chicken
Ground turkey and ground chicken are popular lean protein options often used as healthier alternatives to ground beef or pork. While they may seem similar, there are some important differences and factors to consider when choosing between them.
Ground Turkey:
Typically, ground turkey is made from a blend of dark and white meat, though you can find versions labeled 100% ground turkey breast, which will be much leaner. The dark meat offers more flavor and fat content, making it slightly juicier than ground chicken.
Ground Chicken:
Ground chicken usually includes a mix of white and dark meat, but it is generally leaner than ground turkey. However, chicken breast alone can sometimes make the texture drier, so it’s often recommended to combine it with some dark meat for added moisture.
Things to Watch For:
- Fat Content: Check the fat percentage on the packaging. Ground turkey or chicken can vary in fat content, with options ranging from 90/10 (lean) to 93/7 or 99/1 (extra lean).
- Additives: Look for ground poultry labeled as "natural" or "organic" to avoid fillers, added sodium, or preservatives.
- Hormone-Free and Antibiotic-Free: Ensure that the package specifies hormone-free and antibiotic-free, particularly for chicken, as these practices can affect the quality of the meat.
- Freshness: Ground poultry has a shorter shelf life than beef, so always check the sell-by date and handle it properly to avoid spoilage.
By choosing products with simple ingredients and minimal additives, you can enjoy healthier, high-protein meals with ground turkey or chicken!