Description
This Sloppy Joe Pizza recipe combines the hearty, savory flavor of classic sloppy joes with the crispy, cheesy delight of French bread pizza. Ground beef cooked with onions, bell peppers, garlic, and a tangy tomato sauce is spread over toasted French bread slices, topped with sharp Cheddar cheese, and baked to melty perfection. A quick, flavorful twist perfect for a comforting family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated yellow onion (1 medium onion)
- 1 red bell pepper (finely chopped, about 1 pepper)
- 4 teaspoons minced garlic (divided)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup ketchup (Heinz recommended)
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons beef bouillon powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/2 cups (packed) freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1 loaf French bread
- Finely chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Veggies: Grate the yellow onion using the large holes of a grater until you have a packed 1/2 cup. Finely dice the red bell pepper. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready for baking later.
- Cook Veggies: In a large pan, melt 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the grated onion, chopped bell pepper, and 2 teaspoons of minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables until tender and the liquid has evaporated, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Brown Beef: Push the cooked veggies to the side of the pan and add the ground beef to the center. Let it sear undisturbed briefly, then crumble the beef as it cooks, mixing in the veggies. Once the beef is mostly browned, stir in tomato paste, beef bouillon powder, pepper, ground mustard, and a pinch of salt. Drain off excess grease if necessary.
- Simmer Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar to the beef mixture. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and taste to adjust seasonings as needed.
- Prepare Bread: In a small bowl, mix the remaining 3 1/2 tablespoons of butter with the remaining 2 teaspoons of garlic and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cut the French bread loaf in half lengthwise, then cut each half into two to create four large pieces total.
- Bake Bread: Lightly brush a small amount of the garlic-butter mixture onto the bottom of each bread piece. Place them upside down on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven, flip bread pieces right side up, brush the remaining butter mixture on the inside surfaces, and bake for another 5 minutes. Remove and let stand briefly, then gently press down the centers to create indentations for the meat sauce.
- Assemble: Evenly divide the beef sauce among the four bread pieces. Generously sprinkle shredded sharp Cheddar cheese over the sauce on each piece.
- Bake Until Melted: Return the assembled bread pizzas to the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve immediately. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley if desired for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Notes
- Note 1: Light brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness balancing the tanginess of the ketchup and tomatoes. Adjust sugar quantity based on taste.
- Using freshly grated sharp Cheddar cheese enhances flavor and melts beautifully over the beef topping.
- You can substitute French bread with a sturdy baguette or hoagie roll if preferred.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or chili flakes in the meat sauce.
- Make sure to drain excess grease after browning beef to avoid soggy bread.
