Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread
This Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread combines a classic sloppy joe filling with melty cheese atop a crispy garlic ciabatta base, creating a deliciously comforting dish perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 loaf ciabatta loaf (split in half lengthwise)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Cheese Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For the Sloppy Joe Filling
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup finely diced yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1½ cups ketchup
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you prefer broiler finishing, set the oven to 400°F for the initial bake and switch to broil at the end.
- Mix the softened butter with garlic powder, a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread evenly over the cut sides of the ciabatta halves.
Cooking
- Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and brown until no pink remains.
- Add the finely diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the beef and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in 1½ cups ketchup, ¼ cup water, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, and ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Stir, reduce heat, and simmer gently for 4-6 minutes until thickened. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Assembly and Baking
- Spoon the sloppy joe mixture evenly over the buttered ciabatta halves. Top with an even mix of shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar.
- Place assembled ciabatta on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 8-12 minutes, until cheese is melted and edges of the bread are golden.
- Remove from oven, let rest 2-3 minutes, then slice into portions and serve warm.
Notes
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and is great for gatherings. Optionally, add hot sauce for spice or BBQ sauce for a twist.