This Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread recipe combines two classics into one easy, cheesy dinner the whole family will love. Buttery garlic bread is piled high with a zesty sloppy joe filling and topped with lots of melty cheese for the ultimate comfort food.
Need ideas for what to serve with sloppy joe garlic bread? From potato salad and baked beans to vegetables and desserts, you’ll find plenty of options in my What to Serve with Sloppy Joes recipe collection.
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Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
I take my homemade classic sloppy joes and, instead of using hamburger buns, serve them on thick slices of store-bought garlic bread.
It’s an easy dinner that comes together in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual family meals.
Everyone loves this dish and thinks it’s even better than a traditional sloppy joe—and I have to agree.
The combination of buttery, toasted garlic bread with a zesty, savory sloppy joe mixture is just irresistible.
The garlic bread bakes while I make the sloppy joe mixture, so it doesn’t add any extra time.
Piling the filling on and topping it with cheese and them melting it takes about the same amount of time as toasting buns, making this just as quick and easy as the classic version—but with so much more flavor and fun.
For another fun twist on Sloppy Joes try my sloppy joe tater tot casserole.
Why This Recipe Works
Easy and Fast: Minimal prep makes this recipe perfect for stress-free weeknight dinners.
Simple Ingredients: Made mostly with pantry staples, it doesn’t require a long list of complicated items.
Crowd-Pleaser: A delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe, this recipe is sure to be loved by everyone!
Ingredient Photo: Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread
Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread Ingredient Notes
For a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner, I use my Old Fashioned Homemade Sloppy Joe recipe with store-bought garlic bread and freshly grated cheese. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ground Beef: I use lean ground beef, though 80/20 works fine if drained. Ground chicken or turkey are great for a better-for-you or budget-friendly option.
Bell Pepper: Just a small amount of green bell pepper adds flavor, but any color works.
Onion: Yellow onion is perfect, but white onion works too.
Ketchup: The tomato base that brings it all together.
Mustard: A touch of yellow mustard adds just the right flavor.
Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness that balances the savory.
Garlic: Jarred garlic works great, fresh is even better.
Seasonings: Smoked paprika, salt, and pepper give that classic sloppy joe taste.
Garlic Bread: Using a frozen loaf of garlic bread makes dinner fast and easy, though homemade garlic bread works perfectly too.
Cheese: Freshly grated cheddar is our go-to, but any cheese you love works.
How to Make Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
Jump to RecipeHere’s a quick look at the main steps with photos. Just scroll (or jump) down to the recipe card for the full recipe with exact measurements and more detailed instructions.
Make the sloppy joe mixture.
Bake the garlic bread according to the package directions.
Using the back of a spoon, create a shallow indentation on the top halves of the loaves.
Evenly spread the meat mixture into the indentations.
Top with cheese and bake until the cheese melts, about 3–5 minutes.
Tips
- Let the garlic bread get toasty: This prevents a soggy mess.
- Use freshly grated cheese: It melts best, though pre-shredded works if needed.
- Add toppings: Pickles, jalapeños, or sautéed onions make a fun twist.
- Cheese variety: Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, pepper jack, or provolone melt nicely too.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results—this helps keep the bread crispy and the filling warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s risky! To avoid tearing, let it thaw for a couple of hours first. If you’re short on time, a quick trip to the microwave on the defrost setting will do the trick. Just gently pry the halves apart and re-butter any dry or damaged spots before topping with your sloppy joe mix.
Yes! The sloppy joe mixture can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, heat the mixture, spread it over the baked garlic bread, top with cheese, and melt in the oven.
Soft sandwich rolls or hoagie rolls work best for regular Sloppy Joes. For this recipe, I use a frozen loaf of garlic bread, but you can also make them on garlic toast for a quick, flavorful twist.
Try these easy weeknight dinners next!
- Chili Mac – an easy one-pan pasta recipe that’s loved by all.
- Tuna Helper – my version of the popular boxed dinner.
- Philly Cheesesteak Sliders – an easy ground beef recipe that is sure to become a new favorite.
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Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¼ cup onion
- ¼ cup green bell pepper
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 loaf frozen garlic bread 10 ounces
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese
Instructions
- Make the Sloppy Joe Mixture: Chop the onion and bell pepper. In a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and green peppers until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Reduce to medium heat if the beef cooks too quickly. If you’re not using lean ground beef, drain any excess grease. Once browned, add ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and let simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors.1 pound ground beef, ¼ cup onion, ¼ cup green bell pepper, ¾ cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon mustard, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon garlic, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper
- Bake the Bread: While the sloppy joe mixture is simmering, bake the garlic bread on a rimmed baking sheet according to the package directions. Using the back of a spoon, create a shallow indentation on the top halves of the loaves.1 loaf frozen garlic bread
- Assemble and Bake: Evenly spread the meat mixture into the indentations. Top with cheese and bake until the cheese melts, about 3–5 minutes.1 ½ cups shredded cheese
Fabulous recipe. Husband and brother in law loving it right now. Next time I may put pickles on top after it comes out of the oven!!!
I’ve made homemade sloppy joes before, but never thought to put it on top of garlic bread ❤️
I’m so glad you all like it! Thank you for commenting and rating!