Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 standard loaf Italian bread (about 12 inches long)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup or tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat, then stir in the ketchup (or tomato sauce) and Italian seasoning. Reduce heat to low and simmer the sloppy joe filling for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the Italian bread in half horizontally to create two long halves. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter and minced garlic to create the garlic spread.
- Step 3: Spread the garlic butter evenly over the cut surfaces of both bread halves. Place the bread halves, cut-side up, on a large baking sheet and lightly toast them in the preheated oven for 5 minutes, ensuring the edges do not burn.
- Step 4: Remove the bread from the oven and carefully spoon the warm sloppy joe filling onto both halves, spreading it evenly from edge to edge. Sprinkle the entire surface generously with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Step 5: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges of the garlic bread are golden brown and crisp.
- Step 6: Carefully remove the Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes from the oven, let cool for a minute, slice into serving portions, and serve immediately.
Notes
- If you have leftover filling, store it separately from the bread in the fridge for up to three days, making it easy to assemble a fresh, crispy batch later.
- For the best texture when reheating leftovers, skip the microwave and place slices in a toaster oven or air fryer at 300°F until the cheese is hot and the bread re-crisps.
- Balance the rich, savory filling with a simple side salad tossed in a bright lemon vinaigrette, or serve with a side of crunchy dill pickles to add needed acidity.
- For a richer, deeper garlic flavor, briefly sauté the minced garlic in a teaspoon of oil before mixing it into the softened butter, which mellows the sharp bite of raw garlic.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American