Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy is a delightful fusion of flavors that takes your usual sloppy joes to the next level. Imagine crispy, buttery garlic bread topped with a savory mix of beef and sausage, smothered in marinara sauce, and crowned with melted mozzarella. This recipe is not just comfort food; it’s a party on a plate! Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love This Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy
This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty yet easy to prepare. The Italian garlic bread gives a satisfying crunch, while the filling is rich and flavorful. Here are a few reasons to love it:
- Combines two favorites: garlic bread and sloppy joes.
- Perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
- Simple ingredients make it an easy garlic bread recipe.
- Can be customized with unique toppings.
- Great for meal prep – just reheat!
- Pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes as the best garlic bread for pasta.
Ingredients for Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy
Gather these items:
- 1 loaf French or Italian bread (Sliced lengthwise)
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage (Mild, casings removed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (Melted, for garlic butter)
- 3 cloves garlic (Minced)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (Jarred or homemade)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (Thickener)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (Shredded)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (Grated)
- 1 tsp dried oregano (Seasoning)
- 1 small onion (Diced)
How to Make Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Mix melted butter, garlic, and parsley.
- Step 2: Slice bread lengthwise, brush with garlic butter, and bake 5–8 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Step 3: Brown beef, sausage, and onion in a skillet; drain fat.
- Step 4: Stir in marinara, tomato paste, and herbs; simmer 5 minutes until thick.
- Step 5: Spoon meat sauce over toasted bread and top generously with cheeses.
- Step 6: Bake 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish and serve.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy
Keep these in mind:
- Use fresh herbs for added flavor in your garlic bread with herbs.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
- Let the meat sauce cool before assembling for a neater sandwich.

Best Ways to Serve Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy
This dish is perfect for casual get-togethers. Serve it with a side salad for a complete meal, or pair it with crispy potato wedges. It also makes a fantastic addition to your next barbecue as a unique garlic bread variation.
How to Store and Reheat Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy
To store, wrap leftovers in foil and refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through. This makes it ideal for meal prep!
Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy
What is sloppy garlic bread?
Sloppy garlic bread is a delightful twist on traditional garlic bread, combining the flavors of sloppy joes with cheesy, buttery garlic bread. It’s a hearty meal that’s both comforting and delicious.
Can I make Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy?
To avoid soggy bread, make sure to toast the garlic bread well before adding the meat sauce. Also, let the sauce simmer long enough to thicken.
Variations of Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy You Can Try
There are several fun variations to explore with this recipe:
- Swap the beef for ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Add spinach or mushrooms to the meat mixture for extra veggies.
- Try different cheeses, like provolone or gouda, for unique flavor.

With its Italian roots and comforting flavors, this Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy recipe is sure to be a hit at your next meal. Enjoy the blend of cheesy, savory goodness!
Print
Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes: 5 Savory Steps
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delicious mashup of garlic bread and comfort food. These Italian Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes feature toasted French bread loaded with a savory beef and sausage marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French or Italian bread (Sliced lengthwise)
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage (Mild, casings removed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (Melted, for garlic butter)
- 3 cloves garlic (Minced)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (Jarred or homemade)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (Thickener)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (Shredded)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (Grated)
- 1 tsp dried oregano (Seasoning)
- 1 small onion (Diced)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Mix melted butter, garlic, and parsley.
- Slice bread lengthwise, brush with garlic butter, and bake 5–8 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Brown beef, sausage, and onion in a skillet; drain fat.
- Stir in marinara, tomato paste, and herbs; simmer 5 minutes until thick.
- Spoon meat sauce over toasted bread and top generously with cheeses.
- Bake 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish and serve.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
