French Bread Sloppy Joes
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.
How To Make French Bread Sloppy Joes
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
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.
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.
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
French Bread Sloppy Joes Recipe
Ingredients
For The Bread
- 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread
- 1/2 cup Butter softened
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Kosher salt
For The Sloppy Joe Mixture
- 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
For The Topping
- 1 cup Pepper Jack cheese grated
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese grated
- 1 tbsp Parsley optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Slice the bread in half lengthwise and place on a lined baking sheet.1 loaf French bread
- Mix butter, garlic powder, and salt. Spread evenly on bread slices. Bake for 10 minutes until golden brown. Set aside. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.1/2 cup Butter, 1 tsp Garlic powder, 1/4 tsp Kosher salt
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with onions. Drain excess grease.1 lb Ground beef, 1/4 cup Yellow onion
- Add water, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the beef. Simmer for 5 minutes.1/2 tsp Garlic powder, 1 tsp Yellow mustard, 3/4 cup Ketchup, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp Kosher salt, 1/2 cup Water, 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- Add the cheddar cheese and pepper jack cheese to a bowl and mix until combined well.1 cup Pepper Jack cheese, 1 cup Cheddar cheese
- Spread the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly on the bread halves. Top with both cheeses.
- Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted. Optional: Broil for 1 minute for a golden top.
- Remove from oven, let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with parsley, slice, and serve.1 tbsp Parsley