Open Faced Italian Sloppy Joes

I adapted this recipe off of this blog Once a Mom Always a Cook.  This was a huge hit!  -Kristin

1 # ground beef

2-3 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 onion, chopped finely

1 green pepper, chopped finely

8 oz sliced mushrooms, optional

15 oz. tomato sauce

6 oz. tomato paste

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon basil

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/8 tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)

1-2 Tablespoons honey

salt and pepper to taste

A loaf of French bread

8 oz. shredded mozzarella

Parmesan cheese

• Brown ground beef with the garlic, onion and green pepper.
• When beef is almost done cooking add the mushrooms if desired and continue cooking till done.
• Drain grease.
• Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, garlic salt, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, honey and salt and pepper.
• Bring to a simmer for a few minutes.
• Cut the french bread equally down the middle.  Then hollow out the middle.
• Cover a baking sheet with foil and place the hollowed out french bread on there.
• Fill with the meat mixture.
• Sprinkle with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese.
• Bake in a 350 oven until cheese is melted good.