Cheesy Sloppy Joe French Bread

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Description

Cheesy Sloppy Joe French Bread is the ultimate comfort food mashup! Imagine the rich, savory goodness of classic sloppy joes loaded onto a toasted French bread loaf, then smothered with melted cheese. This recipe turns a family-favorite into an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dinner or game-day appetizer. Crispy on the outside, gooey and flavorful on the inside—every bite is pure indulgence.

Ingredients For Cheesy Sloppy Joe French Bread

  • 1 large loaf French bread, halved lengthwise

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)

  • 1 small onion, finely diced

  • 1 green bell pepper, finely diced (optional)

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup ketchup (or ¾ cup ketchup + ¼ cup BBQ sauce for smoky flavor)

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tsp chili powder (optional, for mild heat)

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella/Colby jack blend)

  • 2 tbsp butter, melted

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the French bread in half lengthwise. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder. Place on a baking sheet and toast for 5 minutes until slightly crisp.

  2. Make the Sloppy Joe Filling – In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté until softened.

  3. Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.

  4. Assemble – Spoon the sloppy joe mixture evenly over both bread halves. Top generously with shredded cheese.

  5. Bake – Return to oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

  6. Serve – Slice into portions, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy warm!

Notes

  • Use a bakery-style French loaf for best results (sturdy enough to hold toppings).

  • Add diced jalapeños for spice lovers.

  • Can swap beef with lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.

  • Leftovers can be wrapped in foil and reheated at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

Tips

  • Toasting the bread first prevents sogginess.

  • Mix cheeses (cheddar + mozzarella) for extra gooeyness.

  • Double the filling and freeze half for quick future meals.

  • For party-style, use mini baguettes or rolls.

Servings

  • Makes 6–8 servings depending on portion size.

Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 390

  • Protein: 20g

  • Carbohydrates: 30g

  • Fat: 18g

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sodium: 780mg

(Values may vary depending on ingredients and cheese used.)

Health Benefits

  • Provides protein from beef and cheese.

  • Iron and B-vitamins from ground beef.

  • Customizable with veggies for added fiber.

  • Satisfying and filling, making it a great family dinner option.

Q&A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge. Assemble and bake when ready.

Q: What cheese works best?
A: Sharp cheddar gives bold flavor, while mozzarella adds meltiness. A mix is perfect.

Q: Can I make it lighter?
A: Use ground turkey or chicken, reduced-fat cheese, and whole-grain bread.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes. Freeze assembled (before baking), then bake directly from frozen at 350°F until heated through and cheese is melted.

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