Can I use store-bought sloppy joe mix instead of making it from scratch?

Absolutely! While the homemade version has a fresher taste and lets you control the ingredients, a store-bought mix can save time. Just prepare according to package directions, then continue with the bread bowl assembly. You might want to add some freshly sautéed onions to boost the flavor.

How do I prevent the bread bowls from getting soggy?

The garlic butter coating actually creates a nice barrier that helps prevent sogginess. For extra protection, you can lightly toast the hollowed bread bowls for about 5 minutes before adding the filling. Also, make sure your sloppy joe mixture isn't too watery - it should be thick enough to hold together on a spoon.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat, lentils, or finely chopped mushrooms sautéed with the onions. The seasonings work just as well with these alternatives, though you might want to add a splash of soy sauce or liquid smoke for depth of flavor.

What's the best way to eat these without making a mess?

While these are slightly neater than traditional sloppy joes, they're still meant to be a bit messy! Start by eating the filling with a fork, then work your way to enjoying the sauce-soaked bread bowl. Serve with plenty of napkins and embrace the delicious messiness - that's part of the fun!

Bread Bowl Sloppy Joes Recipe

Description

Bread Bowl Sloppy Joes are delicious and comforting, combining the classic sloppy joe mixture served in a buttered and seasoned bread bowl, topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese for the ultimate appetizer or meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Sloppy Joe

- - 2 pounds ground beef
  - 1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped
  - 1 1/2 cups (360 g) ketchup
  - 1 cup water
  - 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
  - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Bread Bowls

- - 4 round (5-6 inches) rolls, like white kaiser rolls
  - 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
  - 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  - 2 teaspoons parsley, minced

Topping

- 1/2 cup (56.5 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
- 1/2 cup (56.5 g) sharp cheddar, shredded, divided
- Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Cook the Sloppy Joe mixture: In a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onions until the beef is no longer pink (around 8-10 minutes). Drain the grease. Stir in the ketchup, water, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, mixing until fully combined. Set the mixture aside.
Prepare the bread bowls: Carefully cut the centers out of the tops of the rolls, ensuring that the base of the bread remains attached (avoid cutting all the way through). Place the rolls on the lined baking sheet and set aside.
Make the garlic butter sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, kosher salt, and parsley until well combined. Spoon and brush the garlic butter mixture equally on each roll (making sure to coat both the inside and the outside of the rolls). Use approximately 2-3 tablespoons of the garlic butter sauce per roll.
Assemble and bake: Fill each bread bowl evenly with the prepared sloppy joe mixture. Top each filled roll with 2 tablespoons of mozzarella cheese and 2 tablespoons of sharp cheddar cheese. Bake the rolls for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Garnish and serve: Remove the bread bowls from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

Make sure not to cut through the base of the bread rolls when hollowing them out to prevent leaks.
For extra flavor, consider toasting the tops of the hollowed-out bread pieces and using them for dipping.
You can prepare the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time and reheat it before assembling the bread bowls.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bread bowl
Calories: 550
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 1200 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg