Homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Melts Recipe

These Homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Melts offer a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. Packed with savory beef, tangy sauce, and melted cheese on crispy garlic bread, they make a perfect easy weeknight meal or casual gathering snack.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 slices thick-cut bread (like sourdough or ciabatta)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat.
2. Step 2: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook on low heat for 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Step 5: Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each bread slice.
6. Step 6: Place the bread, buttered side down, on a baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture onto each slice.
7. Step 7: Top each slice with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
8. Step 8: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Step 9: Optional: Broil on high for 1–2 minutes for a crispier finish, watching closely to prevent burning.
10. Step 10: Remove from oven, let cool for a minute, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use thick-cut rustic breads like sourdough or ciabatta for the best texture and flavor.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the sloppy joe mixture.
• Swap mozzarella for pepper jack or cheddar cheese to change up the flavor profile.
• Cut each melt diagonally and serve with pickles or potato chips for added crunch and a stylish presentation.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again, about 8–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time?

Yes, the mixture can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. Reheat it gently on the stove before assembling the melts.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely. Ground turkey is a leaner alternative, or you can try ground chicken or even plant-based meat substitutes for a vegetarian-friendly option.

Homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Melts Recipe

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4.9 from 66 reviews

This Homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Melts recipe combines hearty ground beef or turkey with a flavorful, tangy sloppy joe sauce, all melted atop buttery garlic bread. Topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden, these melts make a perfect comforting meal or snack that’s quick to prepare and utterly delicious.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Sandwiches
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sloppy Joe Mixture

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Bread and Cheese

• 4 slices thick-cut bread (like sourdough or ciabatta)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat to keep the mixture lean.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce: Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Prepare the Oven and Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each bread slice.
5. Assemble the Melts: Place bread slices buttered side down on a baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture onto each slice, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Optional Broiling: For an extra crispy top, broil on high for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
8. Serve: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Cut each cheesy melt in half diagonally for a visually appealing presentation. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Use ground turkey for a leaner option.
• Substitute bread types like ciabatta or sourdough depending on your preference.
• Adjust seasoning and sauces to taste for sweetness or tanginess.
• Broiling is optional but adds a nice crispy finish to the cheese.
• Serve with pickles or potato chips for extra crunch and flavor contrast.

Keywords: Sloppy Joe, cheesy garlic bread, sandwich melts, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, comfort food, baked sandwiches