Sloppy Joe-Mama

This isn't your typical sloppy joe - it's good enough to serve to company!

2 loaves of french bread (from the supermarket), slice in half lengthwise
½ lb bacon, chopped in 1” pieces
2 pounds ground beef
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 medium onions, peeled and finely chopped
1 small carrot peeled and grated (or finely chopped)
Salt & pepper
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon each oregano & basil
1/2 cup beer (or red wine to de-glaze the pan)
1/2 cup beef broth
1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce
½ to 1 C chopped parsley
1 pound shredded mozzarella (2 to 4 cups)
1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Heat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Split bread lengthwise then cut in half again and hollow out some of the insides of bread. Lightly crisp bread in oven, about 3-5 minutes. Remove bread and switch broiler on.

Cook bacon in a little olive oil on medium high heat. After the bacon renders most of the fat (not too crisp) add ground beef and brown well. Add garlic, onions and carrots and season with salt & pepper. Add Worcestershire, oregano, and basil, cook about 10 minutes more, stirring frequently. Add beer to de-glaze pan. Add beef broth, tomato sauce, and parsley and heat through, 1 to 2 minutes. Fill breads with mixture and top with a thin layer of mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Place under broiler to melt cheese.