Are you craving a comfort food classic with a delicious, unexpected twist? Then get ready to dive into these Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes! This recipe takes the beloved sloppy joe and elevates it to new heights by incorporating the irresistible flavor of garlicky toasted bread. Inspired by the ever-creative Pioneer Woman, this dish is surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, or a fun family gathering. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, combining the hearty goodness of sloppy joes with the satisfying crunch of garlic bread – all in one delicious bite!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 loaf of your favorite bread, sliced
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for the bread)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish – optional)
Instructions:
Get started with the Sloppy Joe mixture:
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Prepare the Garlic Bread:
- While the sloppy joe mixture simmers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter and minced garlic.
- Spread the garlic butter evenly over both sides of each bread slice.
- Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
Assemble and Serve:
- Once the sloppy joe mixture is ready and the garlic bread is toasted, you’re ready to assemble!
- Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto the toasted garlic bread slices.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious and easy meal!
Tips for Success:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and ground pork.
- If you prefer a spicier sloppy joe, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of bread. A crusty Italian loaf or sourdough would work wonderfully.
- Toasting the garlic bread ahead of time allows you to focus on the sloppy joe mixture without rushing.
Variations:
- Cheesy Sloppy Joes: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the sloppy joe mixture before serving.
- BBQ Sloppy Joes: Substitute BBQ sauce for some of the ketchup and add a tablespoon of molasses for extra depth.
- Vegetarian Sloppy Joes: Replace the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a reasonable estimate for a serving of this dish is:
- Calories: 400-500
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe recipe is a perfect example of homemade cooking at its best: delicious, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to prepare. It's a fantastic quick dinner idea that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!