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–+ servings

Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread

Easy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread is the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties and game days. Skip the buns and pile your thick homemade sloppy joe sauce onto crispy garlic bread for a sturdy handheld snack. Every bite features savory seasoned beef, melted cheddar cheese, and a buttery toasted crust.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8 SERVINGS

Ingredients
  

SLOPPY JOE MIXTURE

  • 2 pounds ground beef 80/20
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1 small bell pepper diced (optional)
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
  • ¾ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard or Dijon
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt start here, adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar optional, for brightness
  • Red pepper flakes or hot sauce optional
  • GARLIC BREAD + TOPPING
  • 1 large garlic bread loaf sliced lengthwise or 8–10 slices Texas toast garlic bread
  • 2 ½ cups shredded cheese mozzarella + cheddar mix recommended
  • Optional topping: chopped parsley or sliced green onions

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
  • Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat 6–8 minutes; drain excess grease.
  • Add onion (and bell pepper if using) and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic 30 seconds.
  • Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt. Simmer 6–10 minutes until thick. Add vinegar if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Place garlic bread on the baking sheet and bake 5–8 minutes to lightly toast.
  • Spoon sloppy joe mixture over bread and top with shredded cheese.
  • Bake 8–10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling. Broil 1–2 minutes for extra color if desired.
  • Rest 3–5 minutes, slice, and serve.

Notes

Toasting the bread first keeps it from getting soggy.
Simmer the sauce until thick so it stays on the bread.
For leftovers, reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!