Description
These Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes offer a flavorful twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich. Ground beef is simmered in a rich marinara-based sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice. The meat mixture is served on crispy, buttery sandwich rolls toasted in the oven with garlic and parmesan, delivering a comforting and savory meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Bread and Toppings
- 4 sandwich rolls
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for browning the ground beef.
- Cook the ground beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook it while breaking it up with a spoon until browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes.
- Drain fat: Drain excess fat from the skillet and return the cooked beef to the pan.
- Sauté onions: Add diced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until onions soften and become translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently.
- Combine sauces: Add marinara sauce and tomato paste; stir everything together to combine well.
- Season the mixture: Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt; mix thoroughly.
- Simmer: Let the beef mixture simmer over low heat for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Preheat oven: While simmering, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare the rolls.
- Prepare rolls: Slice sandwich rolls in half without cutting all the way through so the halves stay connected.
- Arrange rolls: Place rolls cut side up on a baking sheet.
- Butter the rolls: Spread 1 tablespoon of softened butter on each cut side of the rolls evenly.
- Bake rolls: Bake rolls in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Remove rolls: Take toasted rolls out of the oven and set aside.
- Finish beef mixture: Stir fresh chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese into the beef mixture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Taste the beef and adjust salt or spices as needed.
- Assemble sandwiches: Spoon the beef mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted roll.
- Add garlic powder: Sprinkle garlic powder evenly over the beef on each sandwich.
- Close sandwiches: Place the top half of each roll over the filling and press gently to secure.
- Serve: Serve the Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes immediately while warm and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For extra cheesy flavor, add shredded mozzarella inside the sandwiches before closing.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- To keep rolls softer, wrap in foil after toasting.
- Leftover beef mixture can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
