If you’re looking for a fun and flavorful twist on a classic sloppy joe, this Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes recipe is a must-try! Juicy, saucy ground beef is infused with Italian spices and smothered in melty cheese, all sandwiched between crispy, buttery garlic bread. It’s a comfort food mashup that’s easy to make and absolutely irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bold Italian Flavors – Think marinara, garlic, and melted mozzarella.
Crispy & Buttery – Garlic bread replaces the traditional bun for extra flavor.
Easy & Quick – Ready in just 30 minutes!
Kid-Friendly & Family-Approved – A fun, messy, and delicious meal!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Garlic Bread:
- 4 hoagie rolls (or thick Italian bread, sliced)
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet
Baking sheet
Brush for spreading butter
How to Make Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
Step 1: Make the Sloppy Joe Filling
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add diced onion and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, tomato paste, marinara sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Simmer for 8-10 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in shredded mozzarella and mix until melted.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Bread
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley.
- Slice the hoagie rolls in half and brush the garlic butter mixture on each side.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan on top.
- Place on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Step 3: Assemble & Serve
- Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the garlic bread halves.
- Top with extra mozzarella if desired and broil for 2 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
What to Serve with This Dish
Simple Side Salad – A crisp green salad with balsamic dressing balances the richness.
Zucchini Fries – A low-carb alternative to French fries.
Roasted Vegetables – Bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus make a great pairing.
Pro Tips for the Best Sloppy Joes
Simmer for Flavor – Let the sauce cook down for a rich, thick texture.
Garlic Butter is Key – Don’t skimp on the garlic butter for that classic Italian taste.
Go Extra Cheesy – Add provolone or more mozzarella for extra meltiness.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store sloppy joe filling in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze the filling for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different protein?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken work well as a leaner alternative.
What’s the best bread for this recipe?
Thick Italian bread, hoagie rolls, or even Texas toast all work great.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sloppy joe filling ahead of time and store it separately. Toast the garlic bread just before serving.
Final Thoughts
These Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes are the perfect mix of bold flavors and comfort food goodness. Crispy garlic bread, saucy beef, and melted cheese make this an instant family favorite.
Try this recipe and let me know how you like it! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 480 | Protein: 32g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 720mg
Print
Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
If you’re looking for a fun and flavorful twist on a classic sloppy joe, this Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes recipe is a must-try! Juicy, saucy ground beef is infused with Italian spices and smothered in melty cheese, all sandwiched between crispy, buttery garlic bread. It’s a comfort food mashup that’s easy to make and absolutely irresistible!
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Garlic Bread:
- 4 hoagie rolls (or thick Italian bread, sliced)
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Sloppy Joe Filling
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add diced onion and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, tomato paste, marinara sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Simmer for 8-10 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in shredded mozzarella and mix until melted.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Bread
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley.
- Slice the hoagie rolls in half and brush the garlic butter mixture on each side.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan on top.
- Place on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Step 3: Assemble & Serve
- Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the garlic bread halves.
- Top with extra mozzarella if desired and broil for 2 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Simmer for Flavor – Let the sauce cook down for a rich, thick texture.
Garlic Butter is Key – Don’t skimp on the garlic butter for that classic Italian taste.
Go Extra Cheesy – Add provolone or more mozzarella for extra meltiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Italian-American
