French Bread Sloppy Joes

Name: French Bread Sloppy Joes Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 loaf French bread (or Italian bread); 1/2 cup Butter (softened); 1 tsp Garlic powder; 1/4 tsp Kosher salt; 1 lb Ground beef; 1/4 cup Yellow onion (diced); 1/2 tsp Garlic powder; 1 tsp Yellow mustard; 3/4 cup Ketchup; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 tsp Kosher salt; 1/4 tsp Black pepper; 1/2 cup Water; 1 cup Pepper Jack cheese (grated); 1 cup Cheddar cheese (grated); 1 tbsp Parsley (optional)

These french bread sloppy joes are a great way to reimagine a classic, nostalgic comfort food that is perfect for the family as well as parties and get-togethers. It’s a breeze to throw together and is perfectly shareable.

Why You Will Love This

Everybody loves a sloppy joe, but honestly, when was the last time you had one? For us, it was when we were kids.

What’s great about this recipe is that it is put together in such a way that delivers that classic taste but is served in a way that makes it easy to eat (no soggy bun, meat falling out all over the place) and makes for a great shareable dish when cut into slices.

Toating the french bread first allows the bread to stand up to the sloppy joe mixture and gives you a satisfying crunch. And that melty cheese on top just makes it all the better.

This dish will appeal to the kids as well as the adults. It has the taste, the texture, and it’s so easy to prepare. What more could you ask for?

If you want just a very tasty garlic bread, check out our Easy Homemade Garlic Bread. It’s so much better than that store bought stuff!

Ingredients Needed

Nothing out of the ordinary here. Basic staples, plus some ground beef and French bread (Italian bread works just as well). Have a look at the recipe card for the list of full ingredients and amounts.

Ingredients for French Bread Sloppy Joes.

How To Make French Bread Sloppy Joes

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Slice the french bread (or italian bread) in half lengthwise and place on a foil-lined or parchment-lined baking sheet. In a bowl mix the softened butter, garlic powder, and salt together, combining well. Spread the garlic butter across both slices evenly and bake for approximately 10 minutes until slightly golden brown. Remove and set aside. Set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

While the bread is toasting, place a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef and diced onions. Brown the ground beef, draining the grease as needed. Add the water, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine well. Continue to cook for 5 minutes at a simmer.

Ground beef and onions browning in a skillet.

A sloppy joe mixture cooking in a skillet.

Place the sloppy joe mixture on each side of the french bread evenly. Top with the mix of cheddar cheese and pepperjack cheese and place into the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is nice and melty. Place the oven to high broil to brown up the cheese to your preferred taste, about 1 minute for us.

Sloppy joe mixture on top of italian bread.

Cheese on top of french bread sloppy joes.

Remove from the oven and allow to rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley (optional), slice into individual slices, and serve.

French bread sloppy joes on a baking sheet.

When this came out of the oven I was like “oh yeah, I’m eating all this”. Three slices of this and I was full. It really is a rib sticker.

And man, it was good. That melty cheese with the seasoned beef and the crunch of the bread really made a good bite.

This is a fun recipe that the whole family will enjoy and is perfect for any gameday as well. You could knock a bunch of these things out with minimal effort and feed a crowd without breaking the bank. Always a win!

Tips

Got a choice between French and Italian bread? Here’s the scoop: French bread is longer with a crispy crust, perfect for a crunchier bite. Italian bread is shorter, wider, and softer, great for soaking up all that Sloppy Joe flavor without getting soggy. Whether you’re after a crunchy experience or a softer bite, both are winners in this recipe. Pick your favorite.
When you’re slathering on that Sloppy Joe mix, make sure you get it all over the bread, right to the edges. You want every bite to be a mini flavor explosion. Same goes for the cheese – sprinkle it evenly so each slice gets its fair share of cheesy bliss.
First off, toast that bread just enough to give it some crunch. You’re not trying to make croutons here, just aiming for a bit of texture. Then, when it’s cheese time, keep an eye on the oven during the broil. You want that golden, bubbly perfection, not a charred disaster.

Variations

Feeling adventurous with your protein? Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative for a lighter twist. Each brings its own unique flavor and can be a great way to shake things up!
Who doesn’t love experimenting with cheese? Beyond cheddar and pepper jack, try mozzarella for a gooey touch, provolone for a smoother melt, or even a sprinkle of feta for a tangy kick. Mix and match to find your cheesy bliss!
Sneak in some veggies for added nutrition and crunch. Bell peppers, diced tomatoes, or even some spinach can blend seamlessly into the Sloppy Joe mix. Not only do they add color, but they also boost the health factor!
For those who like it hot, toss in some jalapeños, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce into the mix. This can turn up the heat and add an extra zing to every bite.
Swap out some of the ketchup for your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy twist on the classic Sloppy Joe flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this french bread sloppy joes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the Sloppy Joe mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the mixture, toast your bread, add the toppings, and bake. This makes it super convenient for parties or busy weeknights.

Can I use a different type of bread if I don’t have French or Italian bread?

Definitely! While French or Italian breads are ideal for their size and texture, you can get creative with what you have. A sturdy ciabatta or a crusty baguette can also work well. If you’re in a pinch, even large hamburger buns or hoagie rolls can be used. Just remember, the key is to use a bread that can hold up to the Sloppy Joe mixture without getting too soggy.

What are some side dishes that pair well with French Bread Sloppy Joes?

French Bread Sloppy Joes are pretty filling on their own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, there are plenty of great options. A classic side would be a simple green salad or coleslaw for a fresh, crunchy contrast. For something heartier, consider oven-roasted potatoes and carrots or grilled baby potato skewers. If you’re in the mood for extra comfort, a side of mac and cheese pairs wonderfully. These sides complement the flavors and make your meal even more satisfying!

Other Delicious Ground Beef Recipes

Meatloaf with mashed potatoes and broccoli on a white plate.

Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

Sheet Pan Beef Nachos

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