Ingredients for Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
Here’s what you’ll need to create these Italian-inspired Sloppy Joes:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 sandwich rolls or hamburger buns
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet for browning the beef
- Small bowl for mixing the garlic butter
- Baking sheet for toasting the garlic bread buns
- Spatula or tongs for assembling the sandwiches
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Cook the Beef Filling
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or ground turkey) and diced onion to the skillet, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Cook until the meat is browned and the onions are soft, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Garlic Bread Buns
While the beef mixture is simmering, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and chopped parsley. Split the sandwich rolls or hamburger buns in half and brush the cut sides with the garlic butter mixture.
Place the buns, buttered side up, on a baking sheet and sprinkle each one with Parmesan cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
3. Assemble the Sloppy Joes
Once the garlic bread buns are toasted, spoon a generous amount of the beef filling onto the bottom half of each bun. Top the filling with shredded mozzarella cheese and place the top half of the bun over the cheese.
For extra melty goodness, pop the assembled Sloppy Joes back into the oven for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
4. Serve
Serve your Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes hot, with a side of marinara sauce for dipping if you want extra sauce. These sandwiches pair beautifully with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Recipe Tips and Variations
1. Use Different Meats: While ground beef is the traditional choice for Sloppy Joes, this recipe works just as well with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option.
2. Add Vegetables: To make the dish more nutritious, consider adding sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat filling. They’ll add texture and a healthy boost of vitamins.
3. Try Different Cheeses: Mozzarella is classic, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even smoked gouda for a more unique flavor.
4. Make it Spicy: For a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or drizzle a bit of hot sauce over the assembled sandwich. You can also use a spicy marinara sauce for an extra kick.
Storing Leftovers
Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they’re easy to store and reheat:
- In the fridge: Store the beef filling separately from the buns in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the filling on the stove or in the microwave, and toast fresh buns before assembling.
- In the freezer: You can freeze the beef filling in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When reheating, thaw the filling overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stove. Toast fresh garlic bread buns before serving.
Food and Drink Pairings
Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes are rich and flavorful, so they pair wonderfully with lighter sides. A fresh Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or even a simple tomato and cucumber salad would complement the richness of the sandwich.
For drinks, a cold beer or a glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot enhances the Italian flavors. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with lemon or iced tea is a refreshing choice.