Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:

For the Bread:

• 1 loaf Italian bread
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt

For the Sloppy Joe:

• 1 pound ground beef
• ¼ cup yellow onion, chopped
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• ¾ cup ketchup
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup water

For the Topping:

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• Chopped parsley for garnish

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Construction (Instructions):

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the bread from sticking.
2. Prepare the Bread: Slice the loaf of Italian bread lengthwise into two halves. Place both halves, cut side up, onto the prepared baking sheet.
3. Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter and garlic salt. Mix well. Spread this butter mixture generously over the cut sides of the bread. Set the bread aside while you prepare the sloppy joe mixture.
4. Cook the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
   • In a medium nonstick skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onions over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the beef is browned and fully cooked (about 8-10 minutes).
   • Drain any excess grease from the beef, then add garlic powder, mustard, ketchup, salt, pepper, and water. Stir everything together until well combined. Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken up.
5. Assemble the Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread: Divide the sloppy joe mixture evenly between both halves of the garlic bread. Top each side with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
6. Bake: Place the assembled garlic bread sloppy joes in the oven and bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the bread are golden brown.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for an extra pop of color and freshness. Slice into pieces and serve immediately.

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Variations:

1. Meat Variations:
   • Use ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead of beef for a leaner version.
   • For a vegetarian alternative, try using lentils or a plant-based ground “beef” substitute.
2. Cheese Options:
   • Swap the mozzarella and cheddar for a blend of provolone, gouda, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
3. Additional Toppings:
   • Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or jalapeños to the sloppy joe mixture for more depth and flavor.
   • Top with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.
4. Bread Options:
   • Use a baguette or French bread instead of Italian bread for a different texture.
   • For a low-carb version, try using a cauliflower bread or lettuce wraps.

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Tips:

1. Prevent Soggy Bread: Toast the bread slightly before adding the sloppy joe mixture to prevent it from becoming soggy.
2. Custom Seasonings: Adjust the seasoning levels to taste by adding more mustard, ketchup, or spices (such as smoked paprika or chili powder) to the sloppy joe filling.
3. Make Ahead: You can prepare the sloppy joe mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it before spreading over the bread for an easy weeknight meal.
4. Add More Veggies: You can sneak in extra vegetables like grated carrots or zucchini into the sloppy joe mixture for a healthier twist.
5. Broil for Extra Crispiness: After baking, switch the oven to broil for 1-2 minutes to get the cheese extra bubbly and golden.

Enjoy your delicious and cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes!