If you love the comforting flavors of a classic sloppy joe but crave a bit of pizza-inspired zest, this Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delicious twist that combines the hearty, savory goodness of sloppy joes with the irresistible charm of pepperoni and mozzarella cheese, creating a fun, family-friendly meal that bursts with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a unique way to jazz up sandwich night, these sloppy joes bring all the familiar favorites together in one perfect bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the first step toward making this mouthwatering dish a success. Each item plays an essential role, from the juicy ground beef providing the hearty base, to the mini pepperoni slices adding that signature pizza punch.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Keeps the dish hearty without being too greasy.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and aroma when sautéed.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped: Brings a fresh crunch and vibrant color to the mix.
- 1 cup pizza sauce: The tomatoey soul of this recipe, infusing the beef with classic pizza flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A perfect herb blend to boost the Italian vibe.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds warmth and depth without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a little subtle heat if you’re feeling adventurous.
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices: Tiny bursts of spicy, savory goodness throughout every bite.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey, melty topping that completes the pizza experience.
- 4 hamburger buns: Soft and sturdy to hold all the delicious filling.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for sautéing the veggies and adding richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings to bring out the best in every ingredient.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and green bell pepper, cooking gently until they soften and release their natural sweetness. This step builds a flavorful foundation for your sloppy joe mixture, ensuring every bite is bursting with freshness.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with your softened veggies. Break it apart with your spoon and cook until it’s browned all through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Browning the meat properly adds savory depth and that classic sloppy joe texture people love. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat to keep things just right.
Step 3: Stir in Key Flavors
Now, mix in your cup of pizza sauce along with the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and if you like a hint of spice, the red pepper flakes. Fold in those delightful mini pepperoni slices, which elevate this dish to pure pizza magic. Let everything simmer together for 3 to 4 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Season and Assemble
Give your mixture a final taste and season it with salt and pepper as needed. Meanwhile, toast your hamburger buns for a little texture contrast and extra warmth. Spoon a generous amount of the sloppily delicious beef and pepperoni filling onto the bottom half of each bun, sprinkle on shredded mozzarella cheese, and then crown them with the top buns. Serve while the cheese is still melty and irresistible.
How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can take your Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes Recipe from great to unforgettable. Freshly chopped basil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds brightness, while a light drizzle of extra pizza sauce on top gives an extra pop of tangy flavor. These little touches not only enhance taste but make your sandwiches look stunning.
Side Dishes
Pairing your sloppy joes with the right sides creates a complete meal that hits all the right notes. Classic French fries or crispy potato wedges are always winners, but consider adding a fresh side salad with a zesty Italian dressing to balance the richness. Roasted veggies or even a simple cup of tomato soup can also set the perfect scene.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve these sloppy joes open-faced on a platter, allowing everyone to customize with extra toppings like sliced olives or banana peppers. Alternatively, transform the dish into a fun slider platter by using smaller buns—perfect for parties or kids’ meals. No matter how you serve, this Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes Recipe shines every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your yummy sloppy joes, you might have some filling leftover. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually develop more after resting, making your leftovers just as delicious, if not better!
Freezing
If you want to save the Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes Recipe for later, freeze the cooked filling in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. This makes it super convenient for a busy weeknight meal.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, warm them up slowly in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep it moist. If you’re reheating an assembled sandwich, a quick stint under the broiler will melt the cheese perfectly again, recreating that fresh-from-the-kitchen feel.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works wonderfully in this Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes Recipe. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and adjust seasoning as needed since turkey can be milder than beef.
Is it necessary to use mini pepperoni slices?
Mini pepperoni slices are ideal because they distribute well throughout the mixture, giving bursts of flavor in every bite. However, you can use regular pepperoni chopped into smaller pieces if that’s what you have on hand.
How spicy is this recipe with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a subtle warmth, not overwhelming heat. Feel free to adjust or omit them based on your preference and your family’s tolerance for spice.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just swap out the hamburger buns for gluten-free buns or serve the filling on gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps to keep it safe and delicious for gluten-sensitive eaters.
What’s the best way to melt the cheese?
While a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella melts nicely on its own, placing the assembled sloppy joes under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes creates a perfectly bubbly, golden topping that’s hard to resist.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully comforting and fun about the Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes Recipe that makes it a guaranteed hit at any table. Whether you’re feeding kids, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe brings together two beloved dishes in one easy, tasty package. Give it a try and watch how quickly these sandwiches disappear—trust me, they’re going to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
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Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
These Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes offer a delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe by infusing Italian flavors like pizza sauce, mini pepperoni slices, and mozzarella cheese, creating a kid-friendly, easy-to-make, and hearty sandwich perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and chopped green bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula, about 6 to 8 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Add Flavorings and Pepperoni: Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if using. Add the mini pepperoni slices and mix thoroughly. Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes so that all the flavors meld together.
- Season and Prepare Buns: Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your taste. Meanwhile, optionally toast the hamburger buns in a toaster or skillet until lightly crispy and warm.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted hamburger bun. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat mixture. Top with the other half of the bun.
- Serve Warm: Serve the sandwiches immediately while warm. For extra cheesy sandwiches, you may place them under a broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for beef for a leaner option.
- For extra cheesiness, place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level or omit for a milder flavor.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free buns instead of hamburger buns.
