Description
These Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on the classic sandwich. Juicy, garlicky meat is piled onto crusty garlic bread, then topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs — comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Bread
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4 slices Italian bread or baguette
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2 tbsp butter, softened
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil)
For the Sloppy Joe Filling
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450 g (1 lb) ground beef or turkey
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ cup tomato sauce or passata
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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½ cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
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Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
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Prepare the Garlic Bread
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Preheat oven to 180 °C (350 °F).
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Mix softened butter, minced garlic, and Italian herbs.
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Spread evenly on the bread slices.
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Bake for 8–10 minutes until golden and fragrant.
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Cook the Sloppy Joe Filling
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Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef.
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Cook for 5–6 minutes until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
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Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
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Stir in oregano, paprika, Italian seasoning, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
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Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Assemble the Sandwiches
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Preheat oven broiler if desired for melting cheese.
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Place garlic bread on a baking sheet.
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Spoon the sloppy Joe mixture generously over each slice.
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Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
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Broil for 1–2 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve
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Garnish with chopped parsley or basil.
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Serve hot, optionally with a side of salad, fries, or pickles.
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Notes
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Don’t overcook the meat; it should stay juicy and flavorful.
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Spread garlic butter evenly on the bread to avoid sogginess.
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Broil carefully — cheese melts quickly and can burn.
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Fresh herbs on top enhance flavor and presentation.