Smokey Sloppy Joe with Provolone and Garlic Bread Recipe
There is something incredibly satisfying about a well-made sloppy joe, but when you add layers of smoky flavor, melted provolone, and that irresistible hint of garlic bread, you elevate this classic to something truly special. The Smokey Sloppy Joe with Provolone and Garlic Bread Recipe is the perfect comfort food that’s quick to make and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Think rich, juicy beef mingled with a smoky BBQ sauce, all hugged by crispy, cheesy garlic bread — it’s an absolute flavor party in every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious balance of smoky, cheesy, and savory flavors. From the hearty ground beef to the garlicky bread and gooey provolone, this dish is a simple assembly of all-star components.
- 2 lbs ground beef: Choose lean ground beef to keep this dish hearty but not overly greasy, giving you a perfect base for the sloppy joe mixture.
- 2 cans sloppy joe sauce (smoky BBQ flavor): This is your secret weapon for that irresistible smoky tang; you can also add liquid smoke to regular sauce.
- 2 boxes Texas Toast garlic bread with cheese: Thick, buttery toast that crisps up beautifully and complements the meaty filling perfectly.
- Shredded mozzarella or sliced provolone cheese: The cheese creates a melty, creamy layer that binds everything together perfectly and adds richness.
- Optional – 2 slices garlic keto toast: A low-carb swap that keeps the smoky sloppy joe experience intact without sacrificing flavor.
How to Make Smokey Sloppy Joe with Provolone and Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and browning your ground beef. Break it apart as it cooks for even browning and be sure to drain any excess fat to keep the final dish perfectly moist, not greasy. This step sets the foundation for that rich, meaty flavor you crave in a sloppy joe.
Step 2: Mix in the Sloppy Joe Sauce
Once the beef is cooked and drained, stir in your smoky sloppy joe sauce. The magic here comes from that smoky BBQ flavor which infuses the beef with mouthwatering depth. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally; this allows the flavors to marry and the sauce to thicken just right.
Step 3: Prepare the Texas Toast
While your meat simmers, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the garlic bread on a baking sheet and pop it into the oven for about 5 minutes. You want the bread crispy and golden on the edges, sturdy enough to hold all that juicy sloppy joe goodness without getting soggy.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
Remove the toasted garlic bread from the oven and spoon a generous helping of the smoky sloppy joe mixture onto each slice. Don’t be shy here — this is the star of the show! Then, crown each sandwich with either shredded mozzarella or a slice of provolone cheese. Provolone adds a lovely mild smokiness which pairs beautifully with the sauce.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
Return the assembled sandwiches to the oven and bake for another 7 minutes. This melts the cheese into a bubbly, golden layer that ties everything together into one glorious, gooey bite that you’ll want to savor.
Optional Step 6: Keto Version
If you’re watching your carbs, don’t worry! Replace the Texas Toast garlic bread with garlic keto toast slices to enjoy the same smoky sloppy joe delight without the extra bread calories. It’s just as delicious and perfect for anyone on a low-carb plan.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Take your hot, melty Smokey Sloppy Joe with Provolone and Garlic Bread Recipe straight from the oven and dive in. Each bite is bursting with smoky, savory flavor and melty, garlicky goodness that’s impossible to resist.
How to Serve Smokey Sloppy Joe with Provolone and Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness can brighten up this rich dish wonderfully. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and a subtle bite of freshness. You could also add a few thin slices of pickles on the side for a tangy crunch that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs perfectly with light, crisp sides. Try a simple mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or some crunchy coleslaw for texture balance. If you want to keep things indulgent, oven-roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries make fantastic companions for dipping and savoring every last bit of that smoky sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this at a casual gathering, consider turning your Smokey Sloppy Joe with Provolone and Garlic Bread Recipe into sliders using mini garlic bread slices. Another fun idea is to layer the sloppy joe mixture and cheese in a casserole dish topped with garlic toast crumbs and bake it for a smoky sloppy joe bake sensation everyone will talk about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This smoky delight keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the beef mixture and garlic bread separately if you want to avoid soggy bread. When ready to eat, just warm up and assemble for that fresh just-made taste.
Freezing
You can freeze the sloppy joe beef mixture in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. The garlic bread and cheese are best prepared fresh, but the beef filling thaws easily and maintains its rich flavor after reheating.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat the beef mixture on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Toast your garlic bread fresh in the oven and assemble with cheese just before serving to recapture that perfect melty, crispy combination that makes this recipe stand out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While provolone adds a great mild smokiness and melty texture, mozzarella or even cheddar works well if you prefer a sharper or creamier flavor. Just pick cheese that melts nicely, so you get that gooey, irresistible topping.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
You can swap the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian take. Then use your favorite smoky BBQ sauce and proceed exactly as in the recipe to keep the lush smoky flavors intact.
How smoky should the sloppy joe sauce be?
The smokiness level can be adjusted to taste. Using a smoky-flavored BBQ sloppy joe sauce or adding a few drops of liquid smoke will give you that authentic depth, but be careful not to overpower the dish. Start with a little and add more as needed.
Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?
Yes! Prepare the sloppy joe mixture earlier in the day and refrigerate. Toast and assemble the sandwiches just before serving, then melt the cheese in the oven for a fresh, hot party treat with no last-minute stress.
What’s the best bread substitute if I can’t find Texas Toast?
Any thick-cut garlic bread or sturdy sandwich bread works well. The key is a bread that crisps up nicely and can hold the juicy filling without getting soggy right away, so feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that brings together smoky BBQ goodness, melty provolone, and that unforgettable garlic bread crunch, this Smokey Sloppy Joe with Provolone and Garlic Bread Recipe should be your next go-to. It’s straightforward, comforting, and downright delicious — a guaranteed hit whether you’re feeding the family or entertaining friends. Give it a try and turn an everyday sandwich into something spectacular!
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Smokey Sloppy Joe with Provolone and Garlic Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Smokey Sloppy Joe and Provolone is a comforting and flavorful sandwich that combines perfectly browned ground beef with a smoky-flavored sloppy joe sauce, layered on crispy Texas Toast garlic bread and topped with melted provolone or mozzarella cheese. This quick and easy recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. For a low-carb alternative, keto garlic bread can be used.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 2 lbs ground beef (cooked and drained)
- 2 cans sloppy joe sauce (Del Monte Smokey BBQ flavor or any smoky-flavored sauce, or add liquid smoke to regular sloppy joe sauce)
Bread and Cheese
- 2 boxes Texas Toast garlic bread with cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (or sliced provolone cheese)
Optional
- 2 slices garlic keto toast (for a low-carb option)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Be sure to break it up evenly and drain any excess fat once fully cooked to keep the mixture from being greasy.
- Mix in Sloppy Joe Sauce: Add the two cans of smoky-flavored sloppy joe sauce to the cooked ground beef. Stir thoroughly to combine the flavors. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the smoky taste throughout the meat.
- Prepare the Texas Toast: While the beef mixture simmers, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the Texas Toast garlic bread on a baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes, or until the bread becomes slightly crispy and golden brown.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Remove the toasted bread from the oven and spoon a generous amount of the smoky sloppy joe mixture onto each slice. Then, top each with shredded mozzarella or a slice of provolone cheese.
- Melt the Cheese: Return the assembled sandwiches to the oven and bake for an additional 7 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and becomes bubbly.
- Optional Keto Version: For a low-carb approach, replace the Texas Toast with garlic keto toast, then follow the same assembly and melting steps.
- Serve: Once the cheese has melted, remove the sandwiches from the oven and serve hot for a cheesy, smoky, and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can enhance smokiness by adding a few drops of liquid smoke to regular sloppy joe sauce if you don’t have a smoky-flavored variety.
- Draining excess fat from the cooked ground beef helps keep the sandwiches from becoming greasy.
- Texas Toast garlic bread is recommended for its hearty texture that holds up well under the sloppy joe mixture and melted cheese.
- Substitute mozzarella with provolone cheese according to your taste preference for a slightly different cheesy flavor.
- To make this recipe keto-friendly, use garlic keto toast instead of Texas Toast.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
