Sloppy Joe better and neater Sloppy Joe with Italian flair

Fall and football mean more time to get together. For you, it could mean elementary, high school or college games and meeting before or after the game for a quick bite.

This is an easy sandwich idea that might fit your schedule. It’s similar to homemade sloppy Joes, but this one’s better.

Another plus is that it can be made ahead of time and with about 2 pounds of ground beef and can feed 14 to 16, depending on how you cut the sandwiches.

The sandwich filling of seasoned ground beef has an Italian flair and is spread on split loaves of French or Italian bread. Once the sandwich is put together, it’s wrapped tightly in foil and baked until it’s heated through. I serve this with grilled vegetables and fruit on the side.

Instead of flat, wide loaves of bread, like some of the Italian loaves, I prefer those that are narrower with a more rounded top. Some of those come two to a pack. The bread choice is up to you.

Corinne Cook is a columnist for The Advocate. Reach her at food@theadvocate.com.