Infuse a delightful Italian flair into the beloved classic sloppy joe sandwich with this effortless Garlic Bread Italian Sloppy Joes recipe. This innovative and incredibly tasty dinner idea is guaranteed to become a new family favorite, offering a sophisticated twist on a comforting staple. #MyTuscanTable

This content is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Bertolli. All opinions and text expressed herein are my own.
Garlic Bread Italian Sloppy Joes: The Ultimate Italian-American Comfort Food Fusion
When it comes to the delightful challenge of weekly meal planning, my husband’s preferences are quite predictable, yet also a source of culinary inspiration. His deep appreciation for Italian cuisine means it’s frequently on our menu, often requested in various forms. If not Italian, his alternative suggestion almost invariably revolves around a nostalgic craving for sloppy joes. He has a charmingly straightforward palate, which, while endearing, doesn’t always offer much variety in the dinner decision-making process! (Laugh out loud!) While I genuinely adore the traditional sloppy joe, I often find myself eager to introduce new flavors and exciting twists to our dinner table. Why not create a dish that perfectly marries both of his favorite food categories?
This delightful culinary dilemma sparked the idea for our Garlic Bread Italian Sloppy Joes. By ingeniously combining the rich, authentic flavors of Bertolli Riserva Marinara with Parmigiano Reggiano, savory Italian sausage, and the convenience of frozen garlic toast, I was able to craft an Italian-style rendition of this classic American comfort food. This recipe isn’t just a compromise; it’s a celebration of bold flavors and hearty textures, proving that you don’t have to choose between two great loves when you can have them both in one spectacular meal. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but special enough to feel like a treat.

Celebrating 150 Years of Tuscan Excellence with Bertolli
This year marks a truly significant milestone for the Bertolli brand, as they proudly celebrate 150 years of dedicated culinary craftsmanship. For a century and a half, Bertolli has been a beacon of authentic Italian-style foods, consistently delivering delicious, high-quality products inspired by their rich Tuscan heritage. This enduring legacy is a testament to their commitment to bringing the genuine taste of Italy into homes around the world.
Americans are warmly invited to partake in this grand celebration of Bertolli’s deep, authentic, and delicious heritage. To truly immerse yourself in the spirit of Tuscany and discover countless ways to elevate your meals, explore “150 ways to bring Tuscany to the table” and much more by visiting www.villabertolli.com. Beyond recipes, fans can connect with the brand’s passion for the Italian love of life and food by following Bertolli on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for the latest news and special offers.
Furthermore, throughout the month of October, Bertolli demonstrates its enduring commitment to community by partnering with a vital cause. For every #MyTuscanTable share across social media platforms, Bertolli generously donates funds to help No Kid Hungry provide 10 healthy meals to children in need, with a remarkable minimum donation target of half a million meals. This initiative highlights Bertolli’s belief that delicious food should be accessible to everyone, making your culinary journey with them not just flavorful, but also impactful.
*This amount is based on the individual experiences of grant recipients. Contributions will be utilized to reach the highest number of children facing hunger in America. Share Our Strength is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization.

Unveiling the Bertolli Riserva Pasta Sauces: A Taste of Tuscany in Every Jar
The New Bertolli Riserva Pasta Sauces represent the pinnacle of Tuscan culinary inspiration. Each sauce is meticulously crafted with a select blend of unique, specialty ingredients that harmoniously combine to effortlessly elevate the taste and sophistication of any meal. These are not merely sauces; they are a culinary shortcut to gourmet dining, designed for those who appreciate quality and convenience.
The secret to their exceptional flavor lies in the use of the finest ingredients sourced with care: from rich, imported Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese to delicate extra-virgin olive oil, complex aged balsamic vinegar, and earthy porcini mushrooms. Such is the depth and completeness of these sauces that adding additional ingredients often becomes unnecessary. They are perfectly balanced, allowing home cooks to bring the authentic and vibrant taste of Tuscany directly to their tables with minimal effort. While perfect with various pasta dishes, these versatile sauces also beautifully complement chicken, seafood, and a myriad of other Italian-inspired creations, making them an indispensable pantry staple for quick, elegant meals.
Explore the Bertolli Riserva Sauce Varieties:
- Asiago with Artichokes: This delightful blend features aged Asiago cheese paired with tender artichokes, delivering a delectable and savory experience with every bite. It’s an excellent choice for pairing with delicate farfalle pasta or enhancing the flavor of pan-seared chicken. The creamy texture and mild tang of Asiago beautifully complement the earthy notes of artichokes, creating a sophisticated sauce.
- Balsamic with Caramelized Onions: Experience a wonderful interplay of flavors with aged balsamic vinegar and sweet, slowly caramelized onions. This sauce offers a uniquely tasty and tangy profile, adding depth to any dish. It’s highly recommended with twisted fusilli pasta, allowing the sauce to cling to its grooves, or as a gourmet base for chicken dishes, imparting a rich, sweet, and tangy glaze.
- Marinara with Parmigiano-Reggiano: A true classic elevated to perfection, this marinara marries the robust taste of imported Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and luxurious extra-virgin olive oil with the fresh intensity of freshly crushed garlic and sun-ripened, vine-grown tomatoes. The result is a sumptuous, well-rounded sauce that can be used as your go-to marinara for countless Italian recipes, including our incredible Italian Sloppy Joes.
- Porcini Mushrooms with White Truffle Oil: For an truly indulgent experience, this sauce combines shade-grown porcini mushrooms with decadent white truffle oil. It creates an exquisitely rich and aromatic taste profile that transports your senses straight to the forests of Italy. This luxurious sauce is particularly divine when served with rich fettuccine pasta or as an unforgettable accompaniment to roasted chicken, transforming a simple meal into a culinary event.
These super-premium sauces are distinguished not only by their superior taste but also by their commitment to quality; they contain no artificial colors and are crafted using only imported ingredients, ensuring an authentic Italian experience. You can easily find the full range of Bertolli Riserva sauces at select grocery stores and mass retailers nationwide. Alternatively, use the convenient store locator available on www.villabertolli.com to find a retailer near you. With a suggested retail price of just $5.99 per 24 oz. glass jar, these gourmet sauces offer exceptional value for their premium quality.

A Winning Dinner Idea That Everyone Will Love
This Garlic Bread Italian Sloppy Joes dinner was not only remarkably easy to prepare but also absolutely delicious, making it an instant hit in our home. It offered a refreshing and exciting change of pace from the more traditional sloppy joes, proving that sometimes a simple twist can reinvent a classic dish entirely. The combination of savory Italian sausage, rich marinara, and crispy garlic bread created a flavor symphony that left everyone craving more.
Indeed, this recipe received a resounding “12 thumbs up” – two enthusiastic thumbs from each member of my family! That kind of universal approval instantly classifies it as a winning recipe in my cookbook, and I’m confident it will earn a similar accolade in yours. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something comforting yet special, delivering maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Prepare to delight your taste buds and impress your family with this fantastic meal!

For more inspiring recipes, delightful meal ideas, and exclusive special offers, be sure to connect with Bertolli on their social media channels. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest to stay updated with the latest from the world of authentic Italian flavors.

Other Delicious Italian-Inspired Posts You May Enjoy:
Gnocchi and Meatball Bake: A comforting casserole featuring soft gnocchi and savory meatballs in a rich sauce.
French Bread Pizza: The ultimate quick and customizable meal, perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer.

8 servings
Garlic Bread Italian Sloppy Joes Recipe
Jamie Sherman
5 mins
20 mins
25 mins
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Italian sausage, casing removed (if applicable) OR 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 2 cups Bertolli Riserva Marinara with Parmigiano Reggiano, more or less to taste
- 8 slices frozen garlic toast
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese, 4 oz.
- Chopped parsley, optional, for garnish
Instructions
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the Italian sausage (or ground beef) until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the pan. Stir in the Bertolli Riserva Marinara with Parmigiano Reggiano sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 7-10 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
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While the sloppy joe mixture is simmering, prepare the frozen garlic toast. Cook the garlic toast according to the package directions, ensuring it is golden brown and crispy.
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To serve: Place one slice of cooked garlic toast on each plate. Divide the hot sausage mixture evenly over the garlic toast slices. Generously top each serving with shredded Mozzarella cheese. If desired, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous flavor. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Feel free to customize these Italian Sloppy Joes to your liking! You can never go wrong with a little extra cheese or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- For a lighter option, serve the sloppy joe mixture in lettuce cups or over a bed of pasta.
Nutrition
Calories: 421kcal
,
Carbohydrates: 37g
,
Protein: 19g
,
Fat: 22g
,
Saturated Fat: 8g
,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
,
Monounsaturated Fat: 9g
,
Cholesterol: 52mg
,
Sodium: 1178mg
,
Potassium: 412mg
,
Fiber: 2g
,
Sugar: 5g
,
Vitamin A: 333IU
,
Vitamin C: 5mg
,
Calcium: 163mg
,
Iron: 4mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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