Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with foil or parchment paper. This step ensures that the bread won’t stick and makes for easy cleanup later.
Take your ciabatta loaf and slice it in half lengthwise. This will create two perfect canvases for your sloppy joe mixture. Spread the cut sides generously with softened butter, making sure to reach all edges for maximum flavor.
Sprinkle the garlic powder, along with a pinch of salt and pepper, over the buttered sides of the bread. This will infuse the garlic flavor into the loaf.
In a Dutch oven or a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and let it heat for a minute. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. You want to ensure it's nicely browned and no longer pink. If there's excess fat, drain it off for a leaner filling.
Once the beef is cooked, toss in the finely diced onion and stir until it’s softened, about three to four minutes. The onion adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet, and cook for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as garlic can turn bitter if overcooked.
Incorporate the ketchup, water, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover it and reduce the heat.
Let the mixture simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld beautifully. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasonings as needed to suit your preference.
Once the sloppy joe mixture has thickened to your liking, it’s time to build your sandwich. Divide the meat mixture evenly between the halves of ciabatta.
Top the sloppy joe filling generously with the shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar. This layer of cheese will melt into gooey perfection as it bakes.
Place the assembled bread halves in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
When it’s done, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Slice it into portions, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy!
