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Homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Melts Recipe

Homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Melts Recipe

5 from 14 reviews

Delicious Homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe Melts combine savory ground beef or turkey in a rich, tangy sauce topped with gooey melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on crispy, buttered thick-cut bread slices. Perfect for an easy and flavorful weeknight dinner, this recipe offers a satisfying blend of smoky, sweet, and cheesy flavors in an irresistible open-faced sandwich.

Ingredients

Scale

Sloppy Joe Mixture

  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Bread and Toppings

  • 4 slices thick-cut bread (such as sourdough or ciabatta)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Sauté onions and garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Prepare the sloppy joe sauce: Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
  5. Prepare bread slices: Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of thick-cut bread.
  6. Assemble the melts: Place the bread slices buttered side down on a baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture evenly over each slice. Top with shredded mozzarella and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over each.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the cheeses are melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
  8. Broil for crispiness (optional): For an extra crispy finish, broil on high for 1-2 minutes at the end. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
  9. Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool for a minute. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Cut each cheesy melt in half diagonally for attractive presentation and serve with pickles or potato chips on the side.

Notes

  • Use ground turkey as a leaner alternative to ground beef for a healthier version.
  • Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth—feel free to reduce or omit if unavailable.
  • Butter the bread generously for a rich, golden crust but avoid too much to keep it from becoming soggy.
  • For vegetarian adaptation, substitute ground meat with seasoned lentils or mushrooms and use plant-based cheese.
  • Watch closely when broiling as cheese melts quickly and can burn.

Nutrition

Keywords: Sloppy Joe, Cheesy Garlic Bread, Melts, Ground Beef Recipe, Quick Dinner, Comfort Food, Easy Sandwich, Mozzarella, Parmesan