Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread

Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread (Air Fryer & Oven)

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 lean ratio)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
• Salt & Black Pepper to taste
• 6 thick slices of Texas Toast, French bread, or Italian loaf
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
• 0.5 cups cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (optional)

Instructions

1. Place a large skillet over Medium-High heat. Add the lean ground beef, diced onion, and diced green bell pepper. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon, until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables are soft.
2. Turn the stove down to Medium heat. Drain any excess grease from the skillet if necessary. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the ketchup, water, brown sugar, yellow mustard, chili powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
4. Reduce the stovetop setting to Low heat. Let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens and tightly coats the beef. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
5. In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the 4 tablespoons of softened butter, garlic powder, and finely chopped fresh parsley until smooth. Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture across one side of all 6 bread slices.
6. Method A (Air Fryer): Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 2 minutes. Place the buttered bread slices into the air fryer basket in a single layer, butter-side up. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes until the edges start to turn golden brown.
7. Method A (Air Fryer): Spoon a generous portion of the warm Sloppy Joe beef mixture evenly over each toasted slice. Top each piece with a handful of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
8. Method A (Air Fryer): Slide the basket back into the air fryer. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese is completely melted, bubbling, and spotted with golden brown highlights.
9. Method B (Oven): Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Arrange the buttered bread slices on the baking sheet, butter-side up. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 5 to 6 minutes until the surface is lightly toasted.
10. Method B (Oven): Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Divide the cooked Sloppy Joe meat mixture among the toasted bread slices. Cover the meat layer entirely with the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese mixture.
11. Method B (Oven): Return the baking sheet to the oven. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling. For an extra golden finish, switch the oven to Broil for 1 to 2 minutes while keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Notes

Cheese Selection: Shred your cheese directly from a block. Pre-packaged shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that hinder a smooth, stretchy melt. Keep it Sturdy: Use bread that is at least ¾-inch to 1-inch thick. Thin sandwich bread will become soggy under the weight of the juicy meat mixture. Secure the Toppings: If your air fryer fan is exceptionally strong, it can blow loose cheese off the bread. Press the shredded cheese firmly into the warm meat mixture before cooking to lock it into place.