🍞 Garlic Bread Cheesy Sloppy Joe Bake 🧀🍔
(recipe below)
**Ingredients:**
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 1 green bell pepper, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup tomato sauce
– ¼ cup ketchup
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp mustard
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 loaf of garlic bread (pre-made or homemade)
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– ¼ cup butter, melted
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tbsp parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling:**
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, cooking until softened (3-5 minutes). Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
2. **Prepare the Garlic Bread Layer:**
Slice the garlic bread loaf horizontally (if pre-made) or brush a regular loaf with melted butter and garlic powder. Toast the halves in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until golden.
3. **Assemble the Bake:**
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lay the bottom half of the toasted garlic bread in a baking dish, crust side down. Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture over it and sprinkle 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese on top. Place the top half of the garlic bread over the cheese, crust side up.
4. **Add Cheese Topping:**
Brush the top with remaining melted butter, sprinkle with garlic powder, and top with the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese.
5. **Bake:**
Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
6. **Serve:**
Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and allow to cool slightly before slicing. Serve with fresh tomatoes or a side salad.
Enjoy this cheesy and comforting dish! 🍽️