Cheesy Ground Beef Garlic Toasts are an easy dinner or appetizer made with crispy garlic toast, seasoned ground beef, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella. Using frozen garlic toast keeps the preparation simple, while the beef and cheese turn each slice into a filling savory bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients: Five main ingredients make up the recipe.
- Quick preparation: The beef mixture and garlic toast can be prepared at the same time.
- Easy to customize: Swap the sauce, cheese, or seasonings to create different flavors.
- Great for casual meals: Serve the toasts as a quick dinner, appetizer, or game-day snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1 box frozen garlic toast, about 8 slices
1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
1½–2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
Pantry Staples
Olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Garlic Toasts
1. Cook the Beef and Onion
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small drizzle of olive oil.
Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for about 7–8 minutes, breaking the beef apart with a spoon as it cooks, until the beef is fully browned and the onion is tender.
Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
Season the beef mixture with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning or dried oregano.
2. Add the Sauce
Pour the marinara or pizza sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture should thicken slightly so it can sit on the garlic toast without being overly runny.
Remove the skillet from the heat.
3. Partially Bake the Garlic Toast
Meanwhile, prepare the frozen garlic toast according to the package directions.
Remove the toast from the oven about 2 minutes before the recommended cooking time is complete. The slices should be lightly golden and crisp around the edges but not fully browned.
4. Assemble the Toasts
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Arrange the partially baked garlic toast slices on the sheet.
Spoon the beef and sauce mixture evenly over each slice. Spread it close to the edges without adding so much that the topping spills over.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over each toast.
5. Broil
Set the oven to high broil.
Place the baking sheet on the upper rack and broil for approximately 2–4 minutes, watching closely.
Remove the toasts when the mozzarella is fully melted and lightly browned in spots.
6. Serve
Allow the toasts to cool for 1–2 minutes before serving. The topping will be very hot immediately after broiling.
Serve warm.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t overfill the toast: A moderate layer of beef mixture makes the slices easier to eat.
- Partially bake the bread first: This helps the garlic toast stay crisp while the cheese melts.
- Watch the broiler: Cheese can brown quickly under high heat, so stay nearby during this step.
- Drain excess grease: Removing extra grease from the beef helps prevent the topping from becoming too oily.
- Use freshly shredded cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts evenly and works well for this recipe.
Easy Variations
Cheeseburger Style
Skip the marinara sauce. Instead, mix the cooked beef with 2 tablespoons ketchup and 1 tablespoon yellow mustard. Replace the mozzarella with shredded cheddar and add diced pickles after baking.
Spicy Taco Style
Replace the marinara with ½ cup salsa and use a Mexican cheese blend instead of mozzarella. Add sliced or diced pickled jalapeños before broiling.
Garlic Bread Pizza
Add a few slices of pepperoni or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella before broiling.
Add Vegetables
Cook diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or additional onions with the ground beef for extra texture and flavor.
What to Serve With Garlic Toasts
These toasts can be served on their own or paired with a simple side dish. Consider serving them with:
Green salad
Roasted vegetables
Coleslaw
Simple pasta salad
Fresh fruit
Storage and Reheating
Allow leftover toasts to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate and use within 3–4 days.
For the best texture, reheat the toasts in an oven or air fryer until heated through and the bread has crisped again. Microwaving is also possible, although the garlic toast may become softer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes. Ground turkey can be substituted for the beef. Cook it thoroughly before adding the sauce.
Can I use pizza sauce instead of marinara?
Yes. Both work well in this recipe. Pizza sauce may have a slightly different seasoning profile depending on the brand.
Can I prepare the beef mixture ahead of time?
Yes. The cooked beef and sauce mixture can be prepared ahead and refrigerated in a covered container. Warm it before assembling the garlic toasts.
What other cheese can I use?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a mozzarella-cheddar blend can be used instead of mozzarella.
How do I keep the toast from becoming soggy?
Avoid adding too much sauce or beef mixture to each slice. Partially baking the garlic toast before adding the topping also helps maintain its crisp texture.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Ground Beef Garlic Toasts are a practical way to turn frozen garlic toast into a simple savory meal. The combination of seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, and melted cheese works well for a quick dinner or casual appetizer, and the recipe is easy to adjust with different sauces, cheeses, and toppings.