Football Sloppy Joe Bread Bowls

Introduction

Are you ready to create a fun and delicious twist on a classic favorite? These cute football-shaped sloppy joe bread bowls are perfect for game day gatherings or casual family dinners. Not only do they look adorable, but they also pack a flavorful punch with a savory filling that everyone will love. Serve them up with a side of chips or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!

Detailed Ingredients with measures

1 lb ground beef (or a mix of 1/2 lb spicy ground sausage and 1/2 lb ground beef)
1/2 onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
15 oz Manwich (or a homemade mix)
1/8 cup mustard
3/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Bolillos (small bread bowls)

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Total Time

25 minutes

Yield

Serves 4-6

Instructions

Begin by placing the ground meat in a pan on the stovetop with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the diced onions and bell peppers, cooking until the meat is browned. Once browned, stir in the Manwich sauce. Reduce the heat to a very low simmer, allowing the mixture to cook for about 10 minutes while stirring occasionally to deepen the flavors.

After simmering, remove from heat. Carefully hollow out the top and middle of the bolillos to create little bowls. Fill each bread bowl generously with the sloppy joe mixture. Top with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for an extra touch of flavor.

Your cute football-shaped sloppy joe bread bowls are now ready to serve! Enjoy the smiles they bring to your gathering and savor every bite of this delightful dish.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients: ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and spicy ground sausage), diced onion, diced bell pepper (if using), Manwich sauce, mustard, ketchup, and brown sugar.

Step 2: Cook the Meat and Vegetables

In a large pan, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground meat, diced onion, and diced bell pepper to the pan. Cook until the meat is browned and the vegetables are softened, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Add Sauce Components

Once the meat is browned, add the can of Manwich sauce to the pan. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Simmer the Mixture

Reduce the heat to very low and allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and allow the flavors to deepen.

Step 5: Prepare the Bread Bowls

Turn off the heat. Carefully hollow out the top and middle of the bolillos (small bread bowls) to create enough space to fill with the sloppy joe mixture.

Step 6: Assemble the Sloppy Joe Bowls

Fill the hollowed-out bread bowls with the prepared sloppy joe mixture.

Step 7: Add Toppings

Top each filled bread bowl with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream, as desired.

Notes

Serving Suggestions

These football-shaped sloppy joe bread bowls are perfect for game day or casual gatherings. Serve with a side of pickles or potato chips for added crunch.

Spicy Variation

For an extra kick, consider mixing in jalapeños or using spicy sausage entirely for the meat.

Storage Instructions

Any leftover sloppy joe mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bread bowls are best served fresh.

Cook techniques

Preparing the Meat

Heat a pan over medium heat with a little olive oil. Add the ground beef or sausage, along with diced onions and bell peppers. Cook until the meat is browned and the vegetables are softened.

Simmering for Flavor

After browning the meat, stir in the Manwich sauce (or your homemade mixture). Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to enhance the flavor.

Hollowing the Bread Bowls

Take your bolillos (small bread rolls) and cut off the tops. Use a small knife or spoon to carefully hollow out the center, creating space for the sloppy joe filling.

Filling the Bowls

Spoon the cooked sloppy joe mixture into the hollowed-out bread bowls. Ensure each bowl is generously filled to maximize flavor and enjoyment.

Adding Toppings

Top each filled bread bowl with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and presentation.

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or sausage?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter option, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use plant-based ground meat alternatives and a vegetarian-friendly sauce instead of Manwich.

How can I store leftovers?

Store any uneaten sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The bread bowls are best enjoyed fresh.

Can I freeze the sloppy joe mixture?

Yes, the mixture can be frozen. Just be sure to let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container.

What sides pair well with sloppy joe bread bowls?

Serve with a side of coleslaw, potato chips, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

The Cute Football Shaped Sloppy Joe Bread Bowls are not only a delightful and creative twist on a classic dish but also a fun way to serve a crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for game days or casual get-togethers, these bread bowls filled with savory sloppy joe meat are sure to be a hit. The combination of flavors and textures will leave everyone satisfied and eager for more.

More recipes suggestions and combination

BBQ Chicken Bread Bowls

Swap the sloppy joe mix for pulled BBQ chicken, and top with coleslaw for a delicious twist.

Vegetarian Bean Chili Bowls

Fill the bread bowls with a hearty vegetarian chili made from black beans, kidney beans, and spices for a meat-free option.

Cheesy Taco Bread Bowls

Use seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken with taco spices, then fill with cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes for a fun taco-inspired dish.

Buffalo Chicken Dip Bowls

Combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and cream cheese, then bake until bubbly for a spicy and creamy filling.

Minestrone Soup Bread Bowls

Serve a classic minestrone soup in the bread bowls for a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for chilly days.