Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
Ingredients:
For the Garlic Bread:
- 1 loaf of French bread or Italian bread
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Garlic Bread:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
- If using mozzarella cheese, sprinkle it over the garlic butter.
- Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Add the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
- Pour in the beef broth (or water) and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
3. Assemble the Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes:
- Remove the garlic bread from the oven and cut each half into serving-sized pieces.
- Spoon the sloppy joe filling over the garlic bread pieces.
- Serve immediately, with additional parsley for garnish if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes!