Italian-Style Sloppy Joes Recipe - (4.5/5)

Ingredients

• MEAT FILLING:
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed or diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
• 1 splash white or regular balsamic vinegar (optional, my variation)
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish
• GARLIC TOAST:
• 8 slices French bread
• 1 stick (8-tablespoons) butter, softened
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano