If you love the hearty flavors of a sloppy joe, this Garlic Bread Cheesy Sloppy Joe Bake will become your new favorite dinner. Combining the savory goodness of sloppy joes with the irresistible crunch of garlic bread and the gooey melt of cheddar cheese, this dish is comfort food at its best. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dinner, it brings a fresh twist to classic sloppy joes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can refrigerated garlic breadsticks
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper over medium heat. Stir frequently until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce: Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.
- Prepare the Garlic Bread Base: Unroll the garlic breadsticks and press them into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure they cover the entire bottom evenly.
- Assemble the Bake: Spread the prepared sloppy joe mixture over the garlic bread.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the sloppy joe mixture.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the garlic bread is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot. Enjoy this comforting and cheesy twist on sloppy joes!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for lentils, quinoa, or a plant-based meat alternative to make this dish vegetarian or vegan.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the sloppy joe mixture for a spicy twist.
- Different Cheese: While cheddar cheese is classic, you can use mozzarella, pepper jack, or a combination of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
- Add More Veggies: Include additional vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the sloppy joe filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Add Bacon: For a smoky flavor, crumble crispy bacon into the sloppy joe mixture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until hot.
10 FAQs
- Can I use a different type of bread for the base?
Yes, you can use any type of bread or even pizza dough as an alternative to the garlic breadsticks. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sloppy joe mixture and assemble the dish a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge and bake it when you’re ready to serve. - Can I freeze the Garlic Bread Cheesy Sloppy Joe Bake?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 35-40 minutes. - Can I use a different ground meat?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be used instead of ground beef for a lighter version of this dish. - What should I serve with this bake?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or crispy potato wedges. - Can I add more cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more cheese on top for extra cheesiness. - How can I make it less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet sloppy joe mixture, reduce the amount of brown sugar or omit it entirely. - Can I use homemade garlic bread instead of store-bought?
Yes, you can substitute store-bought garlic breadsticks with homemade garlic bread or even make your own dough from scratch. - How do I know when the dish is done?
The dish is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the garlic bread crust is golden and crispy. - Can I add more vegetables to the sloppy joe mix?
Yes, adding extra vegetables like mushrooms, corn, or carrots can enhance the dish and make it even more flavorful.
Conclusion
Garlic Bread Cheesy Sloppy Joe Bake is a fun and delicious take on a classic favorite. With its combination of savory sloppy joe filling, garlic bread crust, and gooey melted cheese, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Quick to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for any occasion, this dish is a guaranteed hit for both kids and adults. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, it’s comfort food at its best!