Garlic Bread Casserole Recipe
A hearty, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together. It combines the richness of seasoned ground beef with the garlicy goodness of bread, topped off with melty cheese and savory bacon and pepperoni. What’s not to love?
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can Manwich Sloppy Joe sauce (or your favorite sloppy joe sauce)
- 1 box frozen garlic bread or Texas toast
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh bacon bits (about 1/4 cup)
- Pepperoni slices (roughly 12-15 slices)
- Lawry’s Seasoned Salt (to taste)
Directions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned all over (about 7-10 minutes). Make sure to drain any excess fat.
2. Add Sauce to Beef
Once the beef is fully cooked, add the entire can of Manwich (or your preferred sloppy joe sauce) to the skillet. Stir to combine. Let it simmer on low for 3-5 minutes, allowing the beef to absorb the flavors of the sauce. Season with a dash or two of Lawry’s Seasoned Salt to taste.
3. Prepare the Baking Dish
While the beef mixture is simmering, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the frozen garlic bread (or Texas toast) in a single layer on the bottom of the dish. You may need to cut some pieces to fit if you’re using garlic bread slices.
4. Layer with Beef & Sauce
Once your beef and sauce are ready, evenly spread the beef mixture over the layer of garlic bread. Make sure it’s well-distributed.
5. Add Cheese
Top the beef and sauce with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. If you love cheese, feel free to add more!
6. Add Pepperoni and Bacon
Place pepperoni slices on top of the cheese, covering the whole casserole. Then sprinkle fresh bacon bits over the top for an extra crispy, savory touch.
7. Cover and Bake
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. The cheese will melt, and the garlic bread will warm up and crisp around the edges. Remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of baking if you want the top to get golden and a bit crispy.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice into squares, and enjoy the gooey, cheesy layers!
Benefits:
This casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Here are some of the benefits:
- Protein-Packed: Ground beef provides a solid dose of protein, which is important for muscle repair and overall body function.
- Cheese and Flavor: Mozzarella cheese is a great source of calcium and protein, while the garlic bread adds fiber from the bread, making this a filling dish.
- Customizable: You can add or omit ingredients based on your preferences—use turkey or chicken for leaner meat, or go all-in with extra cheese and toppings.
- Easy and Quick: The recipe is quick to prepare and requires minimal ingredients, perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting.
Q & A:
Q: Can I use a different kind of bread?
A: Yes! While garlic bread or Texas toast works great, you can also use regular sandwich bread, ciabatta, or even sourdough. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to soak up the sauce without falling apart.
Q: What if I don’t have Manwich or Sloppy Joe sauce?
A: You can make your own sauce by mixing ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, a little brown sugar, and some chili powder. Adjust the seasoning to your taste!
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! Prepare the casserole the day before, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: Not unless you make it that way! Manwich is mildly sweet and tangy. If you like spice, consider adding jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture or topping.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freezing. To reheat, bake it from frozen (covered with foil) at 350°F for 30-40 minutes, or until heated through.
This Garlic Bread Casserole is a simple, delicious comfort food that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even game days. Enjoy the blend of savory beef, gooey cheese, and crispy garlic bread all in one bite!