Description
Hearty Italian Sloppy Joes deliver a mouthwatering fusion of classic American comfort with robust Mediterranean flavors. Melted cheese, spicy sausage, and zesty marinara sauce create an irresistible sandwich perfect for quick family dinners. You’ll savor each bold, satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf Italian bread
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Wet Ingredients and Vegetables:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup yellow onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup water
- Parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for the Italian bread.
- Slice the bread loaf lengthwise into two equal halves, positioning them cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Create a fragrant garlic butter by blending softened butter with garlic salt until smooth and uniform.
- Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture across the entire surface of both bread halves, ensuring complete coverage.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium temperature and cook ground beef with chopped onions until the meat browns completely and loses its pink color.
- Drain excess grease from the cooked meat and return the skillet to the heat.
- Enhance the beef mixture with garlic powder, yellow mustard, ketchup, salt, black pepper, and water, stirring until ingredients integrate seamlessly.
- Distribute the seasoned meat mixture equally across both bread halves, creating a generous layer.
- Sprinkle a combination of mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses over the meat, covering the entire surface.
- Transfer the prepared bread to the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes until the cheese melts and develops a golden-brown color.
- Remove from the oven, slice into individual servings, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve the Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes immediately while hot and cheese is still gooey.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains the same hearty texture and flavor profile.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium ketchup and omitting added salt, perfect for heart-conscious diners.
- Create a gluten-free option by using gluten-free bread and ensuring all condiments are certified gluten-free.
- Enhance meal prep by preparing sloppy joe mixture in advance and storing in refrigerator for up to 3 days, making weeknight dinners faster and easier.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg