Description
Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes offer a delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich by combining a savory, cheesy meat filling with crispy, buttery garlic bread rolls. Perfect for a hearty lunch or casual dinner, this recipe uses ground beef or Italian sausage simmered in marinara sauce with Italian seasonings, topped with melted mozzarella or provolone cheese, all sandwiched between golden garlic bread halves.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Filling
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
Garlic Bread
- 4–6 sandwich rolls, halved (preferably ciabatta or Italian rolls)
- 4 tbsp butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Bread: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese. Spread this garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the sandwich rolls. Arrange the rolls buttered side up on a baking sheet and bake for 5–7 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
- Cook the Filling: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for about 5–7 minutes until browned. Add the finely diced onion and cook for another 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the marinara sauce, then add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if using, and salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly. Finally, stir in the shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese until fully melted and combined.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Spoon the cheesy meat filling generously onto the garlic bread bottoms. Place the remaining garlic bread halves on top and press lightly to create sandwiches. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- For a vegetarian version, use plant-based meat substitutes and dairy-free cheese.
- Make sure to use fresh garlic for the best flavor in the garlic butter spread.
- These sandwiches are best served fresh but can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
