Name: French Bread Sloppy Joe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf of French bread; 1 lb ground beef; 1 can (15 oz) Manwich Sloppy Joe sauce; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend); 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional); Salt and pepper to taste

Why You’ll Love French Bread Sloppy Joe Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it combines all the rich, saucy goodness of traditional Sloppy Joes with the crunchy texture of toasted French bread. It’s easy to prepare, great for feeding a group, and fun to serve straight from a baking sheet. The open‑faced style also keeps the bread from getting soggy, giving you the best of both worlds.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon minced garlic
15 ounce can tomato or sloppy joe sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 loaf French bread
Optional diced onion (about ½ cup)
Shredded cheese for topping (cheddar, Colby Jack or similar)
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Add the minced garlic (and diced onion if using) and sauté until soft.
Drain any excess grease and stir in the tomato or sloppy joe sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes to combine flavors.
Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and place both halves cut‑side up on a baking sheet.
Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly over each bread half.
Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread edges are lightly toasted.
Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then slice and serve.

Servings and timing

Serves about 6–8 people.
Prep time: 10–15 minutes.
Cook time: 15–20 minutes.
Total time: ~30–35 minutes.

Variations

Turkey Sloppy Joes: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option.
Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture for added heat.
BBQ Style: Swap the tomato sauce for barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor.
Veggie Version: Use plant-based ground meat or lentils and increase the diced veggies for a vegetarian option.
Tex-Mex Flavor: Add taco seasoning and top with pepper jack cheese and diced tomatoes.

Storage/Reheating

To store leftovers, let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Microwaving is an option, but may result in softer bread.

FAQs

What bread works best for French Bread Sloppy Joes?

A wide loaf of French or Italian bread works best because it holds up well under the juicy meat mixture without getting soggy.

Can I use a homemade sloppy joe sauce instead of canned?

Yes, you can make your own sauce with ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings for a customized flavor.

Is it better to toast the bread before adding the meat?

Toasting the bread before adding the filling is optional but helps prevent sogginess and adds extra crunch.

Can I add vegetables to the meat mixture?

Absolutely. Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.

What types of cheese can I use?

Cheddar, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a mix of cheeses work well and melt beautifully over the meat.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, the meat mixture can be made in advance and stored in the fridge. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.

How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Draining excess grease and using a thick sauce help keep the bread from becoming too soft. Toasting the bread beforehand can also help.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes. Wrap the cooled slices tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.

What sides go well with this dish?

Great side options include coleslaw, green salad, potato wedges, or roasted vegetables.

Can I make this recipe gluten‑free?

Yes, just use a gluten-free French bread or rolls for a gluten-free version of this dish.

Conclusion

This French Bread Sloppy Joe recipe transforms the traditional sandwich into a hearty, open‑faced meal that’s perfect for sharing. Easy to prepare, adaptable to different tastes, and full of rich, cheesy flavor, it’s bound to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation or a hit at casual get-togethers.