Italian Sloppy Joes

Description

A saucy Italian-style ground beef mixture spooned over crisp garlic toast.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can tomato paste (6 ounces)
• 1 can crushed or diced tomatoes (28 ounces)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
• 8 slices French bread
• 8 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for the toast
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley for the toast
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano for the toast

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the ground beef until well browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper, then drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Cook the bell pepper and onion until softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more. Stir in the tomato paste and cook another 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Add the tomatoes, sugar, oregano, and basil. Return the beef to the skillet and simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes.
5. Stir in the Parmesan and parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning.
6. For the garlic toast, heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Mix the butter, Parmesan, olive oil, parsley, garlic powder, paprika, and oregano. Spread on the bread slices.
7. Bake the bread until golden, about 15 minutes.
8. Spoon the beef mixture over the garlic toast and garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley.