Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread, halved lengthwise
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add olive oil if needed and drain excess grease.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Mix in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter and garlic powder. Spread evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
- Place bread halves on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Remove from the oven and spread the sloppy Joe mixture evenly over each half.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and return to the oven for 8–10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Layer sliced pickles before adding cheese for added tang.
- Stir in smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.
- Freeze the sloppy Joe filling separately for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/6 loaf)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg