Italian Sloppy Joes
An addicting and delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe.
An addicting and delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe.
- 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp oregano (dried)
- 1 14.5 oz ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp basil (dried)
- 1 cup mozzarella part skim, shredded
- 6 slices thick sliced texas toast or choice of bread
- butter spray (i use parkay)
- 2 pinches italian seasoning dried
- 2-3 pinches garlic powder
- 1-2 pinches salt
- Carbohydrate 2.14979333645574 g
- Cholesterol 73.3311734371174 mg
- Fat 13.5776328384205 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 24.2900256744188 g
- Saturated Fat 6.89088839899852 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (122g)
- Sodium 540.952094343799 mg
- Sugar 2.14979333645574 g
- Trans Fat 1.2526761680133 g
- Calories 233 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef and sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Break the ground beef up and then add onions and garlic.
- Cook for a few minutes until meat is browned and onions are soft.
- Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, basil, and oregano.
- Stir together and reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for 10-12 minutes.
- Salt & Pepper to taste.
- While the Sloppy Joe mixture is cooking, prepare the garlic bread slices.
- Place 6 slices of thick Texas toast on a baking sheet, spray with butter spray, and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and kosher salt on each side.
- Place into a preheated 415-degree oven and bake for 10 minutes, flipping halfway, until bread is golden brown.
- When the garlic bread is done, scoop one half heaping cup of sloppy joe meat onto each slice of toasted bread and evenly top with shredded mozzarella (about 2.5 tbsp on each).
- Place back into the oven for about 3 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
- Enjoy!
Italian Sloppy Joes: A Weeknight Winner
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between juggling deadlines at the office, school pick-ups, soccer practice, and dinner prep, sometimes the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s why I’ve fallen in love with recipes that are quick, easy, and still manage to feel special – and these Italian Sloppy Joes definitely fit the bill. They’re a fun twist on a classic comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights, and surprisingly impressive even for a spontaneous dinner party.
Forget the boxed stuff! This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. The combination of savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, aromatic herbs, and melted mozzarella is simply irresistible. I love how the Italian seasoning adds a touch of sophistication to the familiar sloppy joe profile. The homemade garlic bread takes it to another level. It’s that little extra that elevates a simple meal into something truly memorable. The kids love it too, which is a huge win in my book!
Beyond the Weeknight: These Italian Sloppy Joes are surprisingly versatile. They’re perfect for a casual get-together with friends, a family movie night, or even a packed lunch for the kids. The leftovers are equally delicious cold, making them ideal for a quick lunch the next day. I’ve even experimented with serving them on different kinds of bread – hoagie rolls work brilliantly, and for a lighter option, try using toasted ciabatta slices.
A Little Secret to Success: Don't skimp on the quality of your ingredients. Using good quality ground beef, fresh herbs, and flavorful tomato sauce will make a noticeable difference in the final taste. And don't be afraid to experiment! Feel free to add other vegetables, like bell peppers or mushrooms, or swap out the mozzarella for a different type of cheese. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability.
This recipe embodies my philosophy of cooking: delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It's about finding clever shortcuts and using high-quality ingredients to create something truly special, even when time is tight. So, the next time you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner that will impress the whole family, give these Italian Sloppy Joes a try. You won’t be disappointed.
Pro-tip: For extra flavor, try using a slow cooker. Simply brown the meat and onions, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. The flavors will meld beautifully, creating an even richer and more complex taste.
Variations:
- Spicy Sloppy Joes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a little kick.
- Vegetarian Sloppy Joes: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Gourmet Sloppy Joes: Use artisan bread and high-quality cheeses to elevate the dish.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients and a little bit of creativity in the kitchen. It's a quick, easy and delicious dish that proves that even on the busiest of days, you can still create something truly wonderful.
