Sloppy Joe French Bread Pizza

Sloppy Joe French Bread Pizza is a delightful twist on the classic Sloppy Joe, making it perfect for casual gatherings or a quick family dinner. This recipe combines savory ground beef with a rich sauce, all atop chewy French bread and melted cheese. It’s easy to prepare, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying delicious bites with friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Filling: The combination of ground beef and Manwich Bold Sauce creates a rich, hearty flavor that satisfies every palate.
• Cheesy Goodness: Topped with melty cheddar and jack cheeses, each bite delivers an irresistible cheesy pull.
• Customizable: You can easily add your favorite toppings or adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut into pieces for an ideal appetizer at parties or game days, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Tools and Preparation

To achieve the best results with your Sloppy Joe French Bread Pizza, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Sheet pan
• Foil
• Large sauté pan or pot
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Sheet pan: Provides a stable surface for baking and allows even heat distribution for perfectly melted cheese.
• Large sauté pan or pot: Ensures ample space to cook the filling without overcrowding, leading to better flavor development.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe, enhancing your overall prep time efficiency.

Ingredients

Sloppy Joe Pizza with a classic Sloppy Joe filling, slathered on thick and chewy French bread and smothered with melty cheese.

For the Base

• 1 loaf French Bread (cut in half lengthwise)

For the Filling

• 2 bell peppers (any color)
• 1/2 medium onion (diced)
• 1 pound Ground Chuck or Sirloin Beef
• 1 15-ounce can Manwich Bold Sauce

For the Topping

• 2-3 cups shredded Cheddar and Jack Cheeses (combined)

How to Make Sloppy Joe French Bread Pizza

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready for baking when you finish preparing your pizza.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

• Line a sheet pan with foil to facilitate easy cleanup.
• Place the bread halves cut side up on the sheet pan.

Step 3: Cook the Filling

1. In a large sauté pan or pot, heat about a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and cook for about 2 minutes until it begins to soften.
3. Stir in chopped bell peppers and continue cooking for another 3 minutes.
4. Crumble in ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until no longer pink.
5. Drain any excess fat from the beef mixture.
6. Stir in Manwich sauce and heat through until warm.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

• Spread the beef mixture evenly over each half of French bread.
• Top generously with shredded cheddar and jack cheeses.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

Let cool for a few minutes before slicing into 2-inch pieces for serving.

Enjoy your delicious Sloppy Joe French Bread Pizza!

How to Serve Sloppy Joe French Bread Pizza

Sloppy Joe French Bread Pizza is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether serving it at a party or as a family dinner, here are some great serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

With a Fresh Side Salad

• A light garden salad with mixed greens and cherry tomatoes adds a refreshing crunch that complements the richness of the pizza.

As Party Appetizers

• Cut the pizza into smaller squares and serve them on platters for an easy-to-eat appetizer at gatherings.

Paired with Crispy Fries

• Serve alongside crispy French fries or sweet potato fries for a classic comfort food pairing that everyone loves.

Topped with Pickles

• Add dill pickles or pickled jalapeños on top for an extra zing that balances the savory flavors of the Sloppy Joe filling.

With Dipping Sauces

• Offer ranch dressing or barbecue sauce as dipping options on the side to add a fun twist to each slice.

How to Perfect Sloppy Joe French Bread Pizza

Creating the perfect Sloppy Joe French Bread Pizza requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh bell peppers and onions enhance flavor and texture, making your pizza even more delicious.
• Don’t Overcook the Beef: Keep an eye on the ground beef; cooking it just until no longer pink retains moisture and prevents dryness.
• Experiment with Cheeses: Mixing different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack can add unique flavors and textures.
• Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like olives, mushrooms, or even jalapeños for added flavor.
• Let It Cool Slightly: Allowing the pizza to cool for a few minutes makes it easier to slice without losing toppings.
• Preheat Your Oven Properly: Ensuring your oven is fully preheated allows for even cooking and perfectly melted cheese.

Best Side Dishes for Sloppy Joe French Bread Pizza

To make your meal complete, consider pairing your Sloppy Joe French Bread Pizza with these tasty side dishes. They will complement the flavors of your main dish perfectly.

1. Coleslaw – A creamy coleslaw adds a crunchy texture and tangy flavor that balances the richness of the pizza.
2. Corn on the Cob – Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is sweet and buttery, making it a delightful addition.
3. Potato Wedges – Crispy baked potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide a hearty side that’s easy to prepare.
4. Steamed Veggies – A medley of steamed broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower adds color and nutrition.
5. Garlic Breadsticks – Soft garlic breadsticks are perfect for dipping into any leftover sauce from the pizza.
6. Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits offers a sweet contrast to savory dishes, making it delightful.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your Sloppy Joe French Bread Pizza experience. Here are some mistakes to look out for:

• Using stale bread: Fresh French bread is crucial for the best texture. Always choose a loaf that’s soft and fresh to ensure your pizza holds its toppings well.
• Overcooking the beef: Cooking ground beef too long can make it tough. Aim to just cook until no longer pink, then drain excess fat before adding sauce.
• Skipping cheese: Cheese adds essential flavor and texture. Don’t hold back—feel free to use a generous amount of cheese for that perfect gooeyness.
• Not preheating the oven: Skipping this step can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to 350 degrees for optimal results.
• Ignoring veggie prep: Chopping bell peppers and onions too large can affect cooking time. Dice them finely so they soften quickly and blend well with the meat.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Sloppy Joe French Bread Pizza in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sloppy Joe French Bread Pizza

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Sloppy Joe French Bread Pizza

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place slices on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a paper towel. Heat for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping once, until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people have about making Sloppy Joe French Bread Pizza:

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will still provide wonderful flavor while being lighter.

How can I customize my Sloppy Joe French Bread Pizza?

Feel free to add toppings like olives, jalapeños, or different cheeses to fit your taste preferences.

What’s the best way to serve this dish?

Sloppy Joe French Bread Pizza pairs perfectly with a side salad or baked fries for a complete meal.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

When the cheese is melted and bubbly, your pizza is ready! Keep an eye on it towards the end of baking time.

Final Thoughts

Sloppy Joe French Bread Pizza is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!