Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes Recipe
Total Time: ~35 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4–6 sandwiches
Description:
This recipe takes traditional sloppy joes and infuses them with Italian flair—ground beef simmered in a rich, tomato-based sauce with Italian herbs, spooned onto toasty garlic bread, and topped with gooey melted mozzarella. Think of it as sloppy joes meeting lasagna in a sandwich. Perfectly messy. Perfectly delicious.
finely diced (optional)
1 (14-oz) can crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp sugar (to balance acidity)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Garlic Bread:
1 large French bread loaf or 6 sub rolls
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3 cloves garlic, minced or grated
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Extra Parmesan for topping (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Italian Sloppy Joe Filling (15–20 minutes)
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil (if needed) and sauté the onions and garlic for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in the green pepper (optional) and cook for 2 minutes.
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Bread (10 minutes)
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cut your French bread in half lengthwise (or split sub rolls).
In a small bowl, mix softened butter, garlic, parsley, salt, and Italian seasoning.
Spread the garlic butter evenly on the cut sides of the bread.
Place bread on a baking sheet and bake for 5–7 minutes until lightly golden.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake (5–7 minutes)
Spoon the hot sloppy joe mixture generously over the toasted garlic bread.
Top each sandwich or bread half with shredded mozzarella (and extra Parmesan if desired).
Return to the oven and bake for another 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes for a golden cheese crust.
Step 4: Serve
Slice into portions and serve warm. These are messy and best eaten with a fork and knife, or with plenty of napkins.
FAQs & Tips
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the sloppy joe mixture up to 3 days ahead. Store it in the fridge and reheat before assembling.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely. Just be sure to season well and maybe add a touch more olive oil, as lean meats can dry out.
Is there a vegetarian version?
Yes. Substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles and follow the same method.
What sides go well with this?
Caesar salad