Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes offers a delicious twist on your morning routine. If you’re fed up with having a regular bread or sandwich every day like me, this exciting dish is the perfect way to switch things up.
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Garlic bread sloppy joes recipe
This tasty dish is a delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich. This variation combines the tangy, savory flavors of sloppy joe filling with the buttery, garlicky crunch of garlic bread, instead of a hamburger bun. It’s then topped with the melted cheese.

This fusion of textures and flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser. The garlic bread sloppy joes can be served as a main course or cut into smaller pieces for appetizers or snacks. It’s suitable for kids and adults, family dinners, casual gatherings, or parties.
The recipe is straightforward and quick to make, often less than 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting meal without much effort.
The original filling is often beef, but you can experiment with different proteins. Ground turkey is a leaner, milder choice. Ground pork, on the other hand, has a richer and slightly sweet flavor. If you’re going vegetarian, lentils make a hearty, earthy substitute.
Here’s how to make the garlic bread sloppy joes:

Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes Recipe
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices of thick garlic bread or 4 garlic bread rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
Prepare the Meat Filling
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Prepare the Garlic Bread
- While the meat filling is simmering, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the garlic bread slices or rolls on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crispy.
Assemble the Sloppy Joes
- Spoon the meat mixture generously onto each slice of garlic bread or roll.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Place the assembled sloppy joes back in the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately
If you’re a spicy lover, adjust the spiciness to the level you want:
- Stick to paprika and a dash of black pepper for a mild flavor.
- Add a diced jalapeño and a pinch of cayenne for a medium level.
- Incorporate habanero peppers or ghost pepper sauce to create a hot flavor.
- Experiment with Carolina Reaper flakes for a flaming level.
Serving suggestions and pairings
Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes can be served or paired with many foods and drinks.
- Alcoholic Pairings
- Bloody Mary or a classic Whiskey Sour can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty garlic bread base.
- Beer complements the savory, cheesy, and slightly sweet flavors of the sloppy joe mixture.
- Red Wine like Merlot or Zinfandel balances the richness of the dish.
- Non-Alcoholic Pairings
- Coffee works well for brunch or casual settings.
- Classic cola or root beer enhances the sweet and tangy notes of the sloppy joe sauce.
- Iced Tea offers a light and refreshing option.
- Lemonade cuts through the richness of the dish.
- Hot Chocolate complements the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.
- Side Dishes
- Macaroni and Cheese complement the savory flavors of the sloppy joe mixture.
- Green Beans add a fresh and healthy balance to the meal.
- Green Salads or Coleslaw provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables work well as hearty yet healthy sides.
- Air Fryer Potatoes pair nicely with the bold flavors of the dish.
- Alternative Pairings
- Classic fries or sweet potato fries are popular choices for a casual meal.
- Corn on the Cob adds a sweet and smoky element to the plate.
- Pickles’ tangy flavor cut through the richness of the sloppy joe filling.
- Tortilla chips with salsa, guacamole, or queso offer a crunchy side option.
- For game days or parties, Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes can be paired with sliders, nachos, or other finger foods like wings.
Creative leftover ideas
Got leftover Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes? Don’t let these delicious morsels go to waste! You can turn it into a new exciting dish that will have your taste buds dancing.
- Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers
- Halve bell peppers and remove seeds
- Fill with reheated sloppy joe mixture
- Top with shredded cheese
- Bake at 375°F 190°C for 20-25 minutes until peppers are tender
- Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Casserole is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
- Cube leftover garlic bread and spread it in a baking dish
- Layer reheated sloppy joe mixture over bread cubes
- Top with a mixture of beaten eggs and milk
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese
- Bake at 350°F 175°C for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly
- Sloppy Joe Dip with Garlic Bread Chips
- Mix leftover sloppy joe mixture with cream cheese for a dippable consistency
- Heat in a slow cooker or on the stovetop until warm
- Slice leftover garlic bread into thin strips
- Toast bread strips until crispy to create “chips”
- Sloppy Joe Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls are perfect for on-the-go eating or casual gatherings. To create stuffed garlic bread rolls:
- Slice a baguette into 4-inch sections and hollow out the centers
- Brush the inside with garlic butter and toast lightly
- Fill each section with a warm sloppy joe mixture
- Top with cheese and broil until melted
- Wrap in foil for easy transport or serving.