Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread Recipe – The Ultimate Comfort Food
Looking for a family-friendly dinner or party appetizer that combines the bold flavors of Sloppy Joes with cheesy garlic bread? This Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread recipe is the perfect solution! It’s hearty, cheesy, garlicky, and ready in under 40 minutes.
Whether you’re serving it for game day, a casual weeknight meal, or as a crowd-pleasing snack, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Combines Sloppy Joe flavors with cheesy garlic bread.
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Quick and easy, ready in less than 40 minutes.
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Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings.
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Can be customized with your favorite cheeses or toppings.
Ingredients for Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread
For the Garlic Bread
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1 ciabatta loaf, split in half lengthwise
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For the Sloppy Joe Mixture
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2 teaspoons olive oil
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1 pound ground beef
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1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 1/2 cups ketchup
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1/4 cup water
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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1 teaspoon yellow mustard
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1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Bread
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Slice the ciabatta loaf in half lengthwise.
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Spread softened butter evenly on each half.
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Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Set aside while you prepare the Sloppy Joe mixture.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
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Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
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Drain excess fat for a cleaner, less greasy mixture.
Step 4: Add the Aromatics
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Stir in the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
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Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce
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Add ketchup, water, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
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Stir well to combine.
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Reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
Step 6: Assemble the Garlic Bread
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Spread the sloppy joe mixture evenly over both halves of the prepared ciabatta bread.
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Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese generously on top.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
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Place the bread on the baking sheet and bake for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
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Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
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Slice into pieces and serve hot.
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Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread
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Bread choice: Ciabatta works best, but French bread or Italian loaf are great alternatives.
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Cheese options: Try Monterey Jack, provolone, or pepper jack for variety.
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Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
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Meal prep: Cook the sloppy joe filling ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
This cheesy garlic bread is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs perfectly with:
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A fresh green salad
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Coleslaw
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Crispy fries
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Roasted vegetables
Storage and Reheating
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Store leftovers: Wrap tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or microwave individual slices for 30–60 seconds.
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Freezing option: Freeze the assembled bread (before baking) wrapped in foil. When ready, bake from frozen at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread is the ultimate comfort food – rich, cheesy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. It’s a creative twist on two classics that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or any time you’re craving cheesy goodness, this recipe deserves a spot in your kitchen rotation.