Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread Recipe
Introduction
Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread is a fun and flavorful twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich. By piling hearty, saucy beef onto garlicky toasted ciabatta and melting cheese on top, it becomes an irresistible snack or meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients
- 1 ciabatta loaf (split in half lengthwise)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 1/2 cups ketchup
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Step 2: Slice the ciabatta loaf in half lengthwise. Spread each half with the softened butter and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Step 4: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Step 5: Stir in the ketchup, water, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
- Step 6: Spread the sloppy joe mixture evenly over the prepared garlic bread halves. Top with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Step 7: Place the garlic bread on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 8: Remove from the oven, slice into pieces, and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the beef mixture.
- Use a combo of different cheeses like pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a twist on the cheesy topping.
- Swap ciabatta for a sturdy baguette or sourdough loaf if you prefer.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
Storage
Store any leftover cheesy sloppy joe garlic bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the bread crisp and the cheese melty. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Warm it up before spreading on the bread and baking.
What can I use if I don’t have ciabatta bread?
Any sturdy bread like a French baguette, sourdough, or Italian bread will work well. Just make sure it can hold the toppings without getting too soggy.
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Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread recipe combines the rich, savory flavor of classic sloppy joe filling with golden, buttery garlic bread topped with melted mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s a hearty, comforting dish perfect for casual dinners or game day snacks, featuring a tangy, sweet-saucy ground beef mixture baked onto crispy ciabatta bread slices.
Ingredients
Garlic Bread
- 1 ciabatta loaf (split in half lengthwise)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Sloppy Joe Mixture
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 1/2 cups ketchup
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Garlic Bread: Slice the ciabatta loaf in half lengthwise. Spread each half evenly with the softened butter and sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the top. Set aside while you prepare the filling.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink. Drain excess fat to keep the mixture rich but not greasy.
- Add the Aromatics: Stir in the diced yellow onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its fragrance.
- Make the Sauce: Add ketchup, water, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well, bring to a simmer, and cook for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
- Assemble the Garlic Bread: Evenly spread the sloppy joe mixture over both halves of the prepared garlic bread. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese generously on top.
- Bake: Place the loaded garlic bread halves on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese has melted fully and is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, slice the garlic bread into serving pieces, and enjoy hot. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor in the sloppy joe mixture.
- You can substitute ciabatta with French bread or a sturdy baguette if desired.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the sloppy joe mixture.
- Make sure to drain excess fat after cooking the beef to avoid soggy bread.
- Leftover sloppy joe mixture can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based ground meat alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Sloppy Joe, Garlic Bread, Cheesy Garlic Bread, Ground Beef Recipe, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Party Snack

