Yes, you guys. We know that canned tomatoes are always great for a quick pasta or a perfect foundation to any homemade pizza, but getting a little more creative in the kitchen is always extra rewarding. Thus, these slightly indulgent, but comforting Sloppy-Joe-meets-garlic-toast creations were born.
Use some good quality canned tomtoes as a base for a rich meaty sauce and then slop it (so to speak) on top of thick, crispy slices of ciabatta that have been brushed with garlic butter and dusted with Parmesan for a simple meal for the family or your grown-up friends who are kids at heart. Who are we kidding? Basically, anyone who loves meat sauce, cheese and garlic will totally get behind this.
The Italian Joe open-faced sandwich
Heat canola oil in a large pan on medium-high heat.
Add onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Next, add ground pork and Italian sausage and cook until browned, approximately another 5 minutes.
Pour in crushed tomatoes as well as dried basil and chili flakes. Once sauce comes to a simmer, reduce heat to medium and continue to cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Next, preheat oven to 400 F and place butter and garlic clove in a small pot and reduce heat to low. Cook until butter is melted. Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes to allow garlic flavour to infuse.
Put ciabatta slices on a large baking sheet and brush the top of each piece liberally with melted garlic butter. Sprinkle Parmesan evenly onto each and bake in oven until edges of toast begins to brown, about 10 minutes.
In a small bowl, stir together grated mozzarella, basil and cream.
Remove toast from oven and turn to low broil.
Top each piece of toast with two generous spoonfuls of meat sauce and cover with mozzarella-basil mixture.
Return to oven and cook on low broil until cheese is bubbly and browned, about 4-5 minutes.
Enjoy!
- Yield:
- 4-5
- Prep Time:
- 10 minutes
- Cook Time:
- 45 minutes
