Ingredients
- For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- Ground Beef: 2 pounds, provides the hearty base of the filling. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Yellow Onion: 1 large, diced, adds savory depth and aromatics to the sauce. White or red onion can be used as substitutes, each with slightly different flavor profiles.
- Green Bell Pepper: 1 medium, diced, contributes a mild, slightly sweet pepper flavor and a bit of crunch. Red or orange bell peppers can also be used for a sweeter taste.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced, essential for that classic Italian garlic bread flavor and enhances the overall savory notes. Fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- Tomato Sauce: 2 (15-ounce) cans, forms the base of the sloppy joe sauce, providing rich tomato flavor and moisture.
- Tomato Paste: 6 ounces, concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the sauce and adds richness.
- Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup, balances the acidity of the tomatoes and adds a touch of sweetness. Light or dark brown sugar can be used.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons, adds umami depth and complexity to the sauce. Soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can be used as alternatives for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons, a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and rosemary, providing classic Italian flavor. You can also use a mix of individual dried herbs.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon, enhances the Italian herb profile and adds a slightly earthy note.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste, enhances the flavors of all ingredients.
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste, adds a subtle spice and complements the savory flavors.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing the vegetables and ground beef. Vegetable oil or butter can also be used.
- For the Italian Garlic Bread:
- Italian Bread Loaf: 1 large loaf, sturdy enough to hold the sloppy joe filling. French bread or ciabatta can also be used.
- Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), unsalted, provides richness and flavor to the garlic bread. Salted butter can be used, but reduce added salt in the sloppy joe filling.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced, for the classic garlic bread flavor. Roasted garlic can also be used for a milder, sweeter garlic taste.
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped, adds freshness and a pop of color. Dried parsley can be used as a substitute.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated, adds salty, savory, and nutty notes to the garlic bread. Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese can also be used.
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is preheating, prepare the garlic butter. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Slice the Bread and Apply Garlic Butter: Slice the Italian bread loaf lengthwise, creating two halves. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of both bread halves. Ensure every part of the bread is coated for maximum flavor.
- Bake the Garlic Bread: Place the garlic bread halves, buttered side up, on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the garlic butter is melted and fragrant. Keep a close watch to prevent burning. Once baked, set aside while you prepare the sloppy joe filling.
- Brown the Ground Beef: While the garlic bread is baking or resting, prepare the sloppy joe filling. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced yellow onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Cook and stir for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and dried oregano to the skillet. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. This step enhances the flavor of the spices and garlic.
- Stir in Tomato Sauce and Paste: Pour in the tomato sauce and stir in the tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients, ensuring the tomato paste is fully incorporated.
- Simmer the Sloppy Joe Filling: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 20-25 minutes, or up to 30 minutes. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and deepen, and the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Once the sloppy joe filling has simmered and thickened to your liking, it’s time to assemble the Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes. Take the baked garlic bread halves. Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe filling onto the bottom half of the garlic bread. Top with the other garlic bread half, creating a sandwich.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes immediately while they are hot and the garlic bread is still crispy. You can cut the large sandwich into smaller, more manageable portions for easier serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 750
- Protein: 40g