🇮🇹 Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes

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If you love Italian flavors and classic comfort food, this recipe is for you!
These Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes are loaded with seasoned beef, zesty marinara, and melty cheese — all piled high on buttery, garlicky bread.
It’s the perfect twist on a weeknight favorite that tastes like an Italian sandwich meets a cheesy pasta bake!

🍅 Ingredients

For the Sloppy Joe Filling:

1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

For the Garlic Bread:

4 sandwich rolls, hoagie buns, or French bread halves

4 tablespoons butter, softened

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried parsley

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Sloppy Joe Filling

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft.
  2. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1–2 minutes more until fragrant.
  4. Add the marinara sauce and tomato paste, stirring to combine.
  5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 5–7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to blend.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Bread

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Split the rolls or bread in half and place them on a baking sheet, cut sides up.
  3. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, garlic powder, and parsley.
  4. Spread the mixture evenly over each bread half.
  5. Sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
  6. Bake for 5–7 minutes, or until the edges are golden and toasty.

Step 3: Assemble the Sloppy Joes

  1. Spoon the hot Italian meat mixture evenly over the toasted garlic bread halves.
  2. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  3. Return to the oven for another 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

🍽️ Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm.
Each bite is a perfect combo of buttery garlic bread, savory meat, tangy sauce, and gooey melted cheese — a true comfort food masterpiece!

💡 Tips & Variations

Add veggies: Mix in chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the beef for more flavor and texture.

Spice it up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or drizzle of hot sauce.

Make it cheesy: Mix some mozzarella directly into the meat sauce for extra cheesiness.

Shortcut idea: Use frozen garlic bread as the base — it makes this recipe even quicker!

🧄 Serving Suggestions

Pair with:

A crisp Caesar salad

Roasted vegetables

Or a side of pasta salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal

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