Garlic Bread Cheesy Sloppy Joe Bake 🍞🧀🍔

 Garlic Bread Cheesy Sloppy Joe Bake 🍞🧀🍔

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef

1 medium onion, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup tomato sauce

1/4 cup ketchup

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp mustard

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 loaf of garlic bread (pre-made or homemade)

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup butter, melted

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tbsp parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling:

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.

Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, cooking until the vegetables are softened, about 3-5 minutes.

Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes until it thickens. Add salt and pepper to taste.

2. Prepare the Garlic Bread Layer:

If using pre-made garlic bread, slice the loaf horizontally to create two halves. If making your own, slice a regular loaf of bread horizontally and brush each side with melted butter mixed with garlic powder.

Toast the garlic bread halves in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, until just golden and crispy.

3. Assemble the Bake:

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

In a baking dish, lay the bottom half of the toasted garlic bread, crust side down.

Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly over the bread.

Sprinkle 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese over the beef mixture.

Place the top half of the garlic bread over the cheese and Sloppy Joe mixture, crust side up.

4. Add Cheese Topping:

Brush the top of the garlic bread with the remaining melted butter. Sprinkle with garlic powder for extra flavor.

Top with the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese.

5. Bake:

Place the assembled dish in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.

6. Serve:

Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley for garnish (optional), and allow it to cool slightly before slicing into portions. Serve with fresh tomatoes or a side salad for balance.