Sloppy Italians: A Savory Twist on Classic Comfort Food
Sloppy Italians offer a flavorful and easy-to-make meal that combines the rich flavors of Italian seasoning, hearty ground beef, and a variety of cheeses. These sandwiches are a perfect balance of savory beef and gooey, melted cheese, all served in a warm sandwich bun. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a family gathering, Sloppy Italians are sure to satisfy your cravings.
This recipe takes the concept of the classic Sloppy Joe but adds an Italian flair with spaghetti sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella, making it a unique and delicious alternative. The combination of cheeses adds creaminess, while the ground beef and seasonings provide robust flavor. Whether you enjoy them for lunch, dinner, or as a party appetizer, these sandwiches will become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients for Sloppy Italians
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups spaghetti sauce
- 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
For the Sandwich:
- 1 package hot dog buns or other sandwich rolls
How to Make Sloppy Italians
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the beef browns evenly. Once browned, drain off any excess fat.
Step 2: Add Spaghetti Sauce and Seasonings
- Add Spaghetti Sauce: To the browned beef, add the spaghetti sauce. Stir to combine.
- Season the Meat: Add the granulated garlic and Italian seasoning to the mixture. Continue to cook for 4-5 minutes or until the sauce is heated through and the flavors meld together.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- Combine the Cheeses: In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Stir the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Sloppy Italians
- Spoon the Meat Sauce into the Buns: Place the hot dog buns or sandwich rolls on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Spoon the meat sauce mixture into each bun, making sure to distribute it evenly.
- Top with Cheese Mixture: Spoon a generous amount of the cheese mixture on top of the meat sauce in each bun. Ensure that each sandwich is well covered with the cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Add More Cheese and Bake
- Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top of the cheese mixture. The extra cheese will melt beautifully during baking, creating a deliciously gooey topping.
- Bake: Place the assembled sandwiches in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on the sandwiches as they bake, removing them once the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
Tips for the Best Sloppy Italians
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly shredded cheeses tend to melt better and offer a creamier texture than pre-shredded cheese. If possible, shred your mozzarella and cheddar cheese right before using.
- Bread Choice: While hot dog buns are a traditional choice, you can use other types of sandwich rolls like hoagie buns or brioche rolls for a different texture and flavor. The bread should be sturdy enough to hold the meat sauce and cheese without falling apart.
- Customize the Meat: If you’d like to add more flavor or texture, try substituting ground turkey or sausage for the ground beef. You can also add sautéed onions, peppers, or mushrooms to the meat mixture for additional depth.
- Make It Ahead of Time: This dish can be prepared in advance by assembling the sandwiches and refrigerating them before baking. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake them in the oven as directed, adding an extra few minutes if needed to heat them through.
- Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a spicier version of Sloppy Italians, feel free to add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce mixture. This will add a little heat without overpowering the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Sloppy Italians ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the Sloppy Italians and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it easy to prepare the dish in advance, especially for busy nights or gatherings. When ready to bake, simply place the sandwiches in the oven and follow the baking instructions.
What kind of bread should I use for Sloppy Italians?
The recipe suggests using hot dog buns, but you can also use sandwich rolls, hoagie rolls, or even thick slices of Italian bread. The bread should be sturdy enough to hold the meat sauce and melted cheese without becoming soggy.
Can I make Sloppy Italians vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version of Sloppy Italians by using plant-based ground meat alternatives or simply substituting the meat with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions. The cheese mixture will still provide the creamy, cheesy texture.
Can I freeze Sloppy Italians?
Sloppy Italians can be frozen before or after baking. To freeze them before baking, assemble the sandwiches, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and store them in the freezer. When you’re ready to cook, bake them directly from frozen, adding about 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time. If freezing after baking, let the sandwiches cool completely before wrapping and storing them in the freezer.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker meat sauce, you can reduce the spaghetti sauce by simmering it for an additional 5-10 minutes before adding it to the meat. Alternatively, you can mix in a small amount of tomato paste to achieve a thicker consistency.
Can I add more cheese to the mixture?
Absolutely! If you love cheese, feel free to add more mozzarella or cheddar to the cheese mixture or sprinkle additional cheese on top before baking. The more cheese, the better, in this delicious dish.
Sloppy Italians provide a deliciously savory meal with a perfect blend of Italian flavors and comfort food favorites. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a hearty and satisfying dish that is sure to please both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing snack for your next gathering, Sloppy Italians are sure to become a favorite.