Salt and pepper to taste
4 slices of mozzarella or provolone cheese
4 slices of thick Italian bread
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
While the sloppy joe mixture simmers, prepare the garlic bread. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with garlic powder and chopped parsley.
Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over one side of each slice of Italian bread.
Place the bread slices, buttered side up, on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until golden brown.
Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the toasted side of the bread slices, then top each with a slice of cheese.
Return to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5 minutes.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Variations & Tips
For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter option. For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. If you prefer a different cheese, cheddar or pepper jack can add a unique flavor. For extra garlic flavor, rub a cut clove of garlic over the toasted bread before adding the sloppy joe mixture.
