If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that will please both kids and adults, these Open-Face Garlic Toast Sloppy Joes are the perfect solution. This dish takes the classic sloppy joe and elevates it with the addition of crispy garlic toast and gooey mozzarella cheese, creating a savory and satisfying dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cups spaghetti sauce (adjust to taste)
- 8 slices frozen garlic toast
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven according to the instructions on the garlic toast package. This ensures that your garlic toast will be perfectly crispy when it’s time to assemble the dish.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Crumble the ground beef into a large skillet and cook it over medium-high heat until fully browned. Be sure to break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks.
- Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.
- Add the Spaghetti Sauce:
- Stir the spaghetti sauce into the cooked ground beef, making sure to coat the meat evenly. The sauce adds a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the garlic toast.
- Allow the meat sauce to simmer for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors meld together and thickens the sauce slightly.
- Bake the Garlic Toast:
- While the meat sauce is simmering, bake the garlic toast according to the package directions. Bake until both sides are golden brown and crispy. The garlic toast serves as the base for the sloppy joe, adding a crunchy texture that complements the saucy beef.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Once the garlic toast is ready, spoon the hot meat sauce on top of each slice. Be generous with the sauce to ensure each bite is packed with flavor.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce. The heat from the sauce will start to melt the cheese, creating a deliciously gooey topping.
- Serve Hot:
- Garnish the assembled sloppy joes with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
- Serve immediately while the garlic toast is still crisp and the cheese is perfectly melted.
Time and Nutrition:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
Tips for Perfect Open-Face Garlic Toast Sloppy Joes:
- Enhance the Flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle a pinch of Italian seasoning over the cheese before serving. This adds a hint of herbs that complements the garlic toast and meat sauce beautifully.
- Complete the Meal: Serve your sloppy joes with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the dish. This makes for a well-rounded meal that everyone will enjoy.
These Open-Face Garlic Toast Sloppy Joes are a deliciously easy way to turn a classic comfort food into something new and exciting. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights or any time you need a quick, satisfying dinner.