- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice French bread in half lengthwise. Place both halves cut-side up on the baking sheet.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat. Add onion and green pepper; cook until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Drain any excess grease. Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5–7 minutes until thickened.
- Spoon sloppy joe mixture evenly over both bread halves. Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Slice and serve warm. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Success
- Toast bread lightly before adding filling if you like a crispier base.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Add hot sauce for a spicy kick!
Variations
- Tex-Mex: Add taco seasoning and pepper jack cheese.
- BBQ Style: Swap ketchup for BBQ sauce.
- Turkey Joes: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version.
Ingredient Substitutions
- French bread: Use ciabatta, hoagie rolls, or mini baguettes.
- Ketchup: Substitute with tomato sauce + a little vinegar and sugar.
- Cheese: Mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix all work great.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid the microwave to maintain bread texture.
What to Serve With French Bread Sloppy Joes
- Classic coleslaw or a crisp green salad
- Sweet potato fries or potato wedges
- Dill pickles or pickled jalapeños
- Fruit salad or baked beans
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sugar: 9g
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead?
- Yes, prepare the sloppy joe meat ahead and refrigerate. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
- Can I freeze French Bread Sloppy Joes?
- It’s best to freeze just the meat mixture. Bread can become soggy when frozen.
- How many does this recipe serve?
- It typically serves 4–6 depending on portion size and the size of the bread.
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