These fun Sloppy Joes are made with Italian-spiced ground beef and served on garlic bread.
Directions for: Italian Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 lb(s) lean ground beef
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 medium onion, diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 6-oz can tomato paste
1 28-oz can crushed or diced tomatoes
1 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
2 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped plus extra for garnish
Garlic Toast, recipe follows, for serving
Garlic Toast8 slices French bread
1 stick (8 tbsp) butter, softened
cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
tsp garlic powder
tsp paprika
tsp dried oregano
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
1. in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil and the beef. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it is well browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then remove the beef and drain off the fat.
2. to the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and cook the peppers and onions until soft and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the tomato paste and cook for a minute or 2. Add the tomatoes, sugar, oregano and basil and bring to a simmer. Return the beef to the pan and simmer until the mixture is nice and thick, about 10 minutes. if it gets too thick, thin it with a little water. Remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan and parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
3. to serve: Spoon a nice portion of sauce over each of 4 slices of the Garlic Toast. Let the sauce cascade over the sides, then prop a second piece of Garlic Toast over to the side of each. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.
Garlic Toast1. Preheat the oven to 400F. Place the bread slices on a baking sheet.
2. in a bowl, mix together the butter, Parmesan, oil, parsley, garlic powder, paprika and oregano until it forms a paste. Season with salt and pepper, then spread the mixture on the bread.
3. Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes.
See more: Beef, Bread, Dinner, Italian, Main