Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Slice the Bread
Take the loaf of Italian bread and slice it lengthwise into two halves. Place both halves on the lined baking sheet, ensuring the cut side is facing up.
Make the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 teaspoon of garlic salt. Mix until well blended.
Spread the Garlic Butter
Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread. Set the bread aside while you prepare the sloppy joe filling.
Cook the Ground Beef and Onions
In a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat, add 1 pound of ground beef and ¼ cup of chopped yellow onion. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
Drain Excess Grease
Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet.
Add Seasonings and Sauce
Stir in ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of yellow mustard, ¾ cup of ketchup, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ cup of water. Mix everything until well combined.
Assemble the Sloppy Joes
Divide the sloppy joe mixture evenly between both halves of the bread.
Add the Cheese
Top the sloppy joe mixture with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Bake the Sloppy Joes
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the edges of the bread are golden brown.
Cut and Serve
Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Cut the cheesy sloppy joes into pieces and serve immediately. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
These sloppy joes pair well with a side salad or fries for a complete meal.
Customization
Feel free to customize the meat; ground turkey or chicken can be used as a healthier alternative. You can also add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for an extra kick.
Allergies
Make sure to check the ingredients for any potential allergens, especially the bread and cheese.
