Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread

This Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread is the ultimate combo of two comfort food favorites. Using a sturdy ciabatta loaf gives a chewy, absorbent base that holds all the saucy beef without getting soggy. Sweet-and-tangy Sloppy Joe meat paired with a melted mix of mozzarella and sharp cheddar makes it perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing game-day treat.

Ingredients

Garlic Bread Base

• Ciabatta loaf – 1
• Unsalted butter, softened – 2 tbsp
• Garlic powder – 1 tsp
• Shredded mozzarella – 1 cup
• Shredded sharp cheddar – 1 cup
• Salt & black pepper – to taste

Sloppy Joe Mixture

• Ground beef – 1 lb
• Ketchup – 1 ½ cups
• Brown sugar – 2 tbsp
• Yellow onion, finely diced – ½ cup
• Water – ¼ cup
• Yellow mustard – 1 tsp
• Worcestershire sauce – ½ tsp
• Garlic, minced – 2 cloves
• Olive oil – 2 tsp

Instructions

1. Prep Oven & Bread: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment. Slice ciabatta in half lengthwise. Spread butter on both halves and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

2. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.

3. Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Simmer Sauce: Mix in ketchup, water, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 20–30 minutes until thick and glossy. Adjust salt & pepper to taste.

5. Assemble & Bake: Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto the ciabatta halves. Top with mozzarella and cheddar. Bake 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and bread edges are golden.

6. Serve: Let rest 2–3 minutes, then garnish with parsley if desired. Slice into thick strips and enjoy!