Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Prepare the Garlic Bread**:
– Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**.
– In a small bowl, mix together the softened **butter**, **minced garlic**, **parsley**, and **salt** until well combined.
– Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over one side of each slice of bread. Place the bread slices buttered-side-up on a baking sheet.
– Bake the bread for about **10–12 minutes**, or until the edges are golden and crispy. If you prefer a more toasted garlic bread, you can broil the bread for 1–2 minutes after baking, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

#### 2. **Cook the Sloppy Joe Filling**:
– While the garlic bread is baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the **ground beef** and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if needed.
– Add the **diced onion**, **bell pepper** (if using), and **minced garlic** to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3–4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
– Stir in the **ketchup**, **tomato sauce**, **tomato paste**, **Worcestershire sauce**, **mustard**, and **brown sugar**. Add the **smoked paprika**, and season with **salt and pepper** to taste.
– Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.

#### 3. **Assemble the Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes**:
– Once the garlic bread is ready and the sloppy joe filling is simmered to perfection, it’s time to assemble your dish.
– Spoon a generous amount of the **sloppy joe filling** onto the toasted garlic bread. If you’re using thicker slices of bread, you may want to use two slices per serving to create an open-faced sandwich. You can also top the filling with a slice of melted cheese, such as **cheddar** or **American cheese**, for extra indulgence.

#### 4. **Serve and Enjoy**:
– Serve your **Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes** hot, with a side of crispy fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad to round out the meal. These messy, flavorful sandwiches are perfect for a fun, casual dinner that everyone will love.

### Why You’ll Love Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes:

1. **A Perfectly Crispy Base**: The garlic buttered bread adds an irresistible crispy texture that pairs perfectly with the rich, savory sloppy joe filling. It’s the ideal base for this hearty dish and elevates the entire meal.

2. **Savory and Flavorful**: The combination of ground beef (or turkey), tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings creates a deliciously tangy and savory filling. The addition of garlic and butter takes it over the top, offering an extra layer of flavor with every bite.

3. **Easy to Make**: Despite the flavor-packed ingredients, this recipe is incredibly simple and quick to put together. It takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect weeknight meal when you’re short on time but still want something hearty and delicious.

4. **Customizable**: You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your preferences. Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives to make it lighter or vegetarian. Add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or even jalapeños for an extra kick. The garlic bread base is also highly versatile—if you prefer a milder garlic flavor, just adjust the amount of garlic to suit your taste.

5. **Perfect for Sharing**: This recipe is great for family dinners or casual gatherings. The hearty portions are satisfying and can be easily scaled up to serve a crowd.

### Tips for the Best Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes:

– **Choose the Right Bread**: For the best texture, use hearty, thick bread like **French bread** or **Italian bread**. This will hold up well under the sloppy joe filling and provide that satisfying crunch when toasted.

– **Make it Spicy**: If you like a little heat, add some **chopped jalapeños** to the sloppy joe filling or sprinkle **red pepper flakes** on top of the finished dish.

– **Add Cheese**: Melted cheese is always a great addition to sloppy joes. Try adding a slice of **cheddar**, **provolone**, or even **mozzarella** on top of the filling before serving for an extra cheesy kick.

– **Make it Ahead**: The sloppy joe filling can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it before serving and assemble the garlic bread when ready.

### Conclusion: A Fun and Flavorful Twist on a Classic

**Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes** bring the best of both worlds together: the hearty, flavorful sloppy joe filling and the crispy, garlicky goodness of toast. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a casual party, or just craving something comforting, this recipe will become a new favorite. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

So, the next time you want to enjoy a classic sloppy joe, give this **Garlic Bread Sloppy Joe** recipe a try—you’ll love the savory twist and the crispy, buttery garlic bread that takes this dish to the next level!