The Best Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Comfort food takes an exciting turn with these mouthwatering pepperoni pizza sloppy joes that combine two beloved classics into one incredible meal.

Classic sandwich meets pizza flavors in a delightful mashup that will make taste buds dance.

Hearty ground beef mingles with zesty marinara sauce, creating a robust base for this crowd-pleasing dish.

Melted cheese and crispy pepperoni add layers of irresistible flavor that elevate this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing recipe.

Families and friends will devour these sloppy joes, asking for seconds before the first plate is empty.

Bring this delicious creation to the table and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Reasons to Love Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes

• Flavor Explosion: Combines the beloved taste of pepperoni pizza with classic sloppy joes, creating an irresistible fusion that will delight taste buds and spark excitement at the dinner table.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: Requires minimal cooking skills and can be whipped up in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal solutions.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with familiar flavors that children love, this dish transforms a traditional sandwich into a fun and exciting meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Versatile Serving Option: Easily adaptable for different occasions, from casual family dinners to game day gatherings, proving to be a flexible and crowd-pleasing recipe that suits multiple dining scenarios.

Ingredients to Make Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes

• Ground Beef: Juicy and flavorful base for the sloppy joes.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Aromatic blend that brings depth to the dish.
• Minced Garlic: Adds a bold and zesty kick.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Tangy and rich foundation for the sauce.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Pepperoni: Classic pizza-inspired topping with a spicy punch.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty and creamy crowning touch.
• Hamburger Buns: Soft vessel for the saucy mixture.

Instructions for Making Pizza-Inspired Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown Ground Beef

In a spacious skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat.

Break up the meat into small crumbles while it sears.

Season with salt, pepper, and minced garlic for extra flavor.

Once the beef turns a rich brown color, drain away any excess fat to keep the dish light and tasty.

Step 2: Create Zesty Sauce Base

• Italian seasoning
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Sugar
• Chopped pepperoni

Stir everything together, letting the ingredients mingle and develop a robust, tangy flavor profile.

Step 3: Simmer and Blend Flavors

Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently.

This allows all the ingredients to merge and create a mouthwatering sauce.

Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

Step 4: Prepare Cheesy Sloppy Sandwich

Grab your favorite hamburger buns and generously spoon the pepperoni-infused beef mixture onto each bun.

Sprinkle a handful of melty mozzarella cheese on top, letting it slightly melt from the warm meat.

Step 5: Serve and Devour

Place the loaded sloppy joes on plates, making sure they’re ready to be enjoyed immediately.

These pizzeria-inspired sandwiches are perfect for a quick dinner or casual gathering.

Grab a napkin and dig in!

Pro Tips for Mess-Free and Flavorful Sloppy Joes

• Remove fat from ground beef to prevent soggy and oily sloppy joes, ensuring a cleaner and healthier meal.
• Swap mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for different flavor profiles and personal taste preferences.
• Chop pepperoni into smaller pieces for more even distribution and better meat-to-sauce ratio.
• Simmer slightly longer if you prefer thicker sauce or add a splash of water if the mixture becomes too dry.
• Prepare the meat mixture in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, making weeknight dinners quick and easy.

Keeping and Reheating Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes

• Store leftover Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes in an airtight container, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled mixture to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, preserving the delicious meal for up to 2 months.
• Warm the sloppy joe mixture in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Best Sides for Pizza Sloppy Joes

• Craft Classic Pizza Pairing: Serve these sloppy joes with a crisp, cold Italian-style lager that cuts through the rich, meaty flavors and complements the pepperoni's spiciness.
• Balance Texture with Side Dish: Add a light, tangy cucumber salad or crisp green salad to provide a refreshing contrast to the heavy, savory sandwich.
• Enhance Flavor Profile: Pair with chilled red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which echoes the tomato and Italian seasoning notes in the sloppy joes.
• Create Complete Meal Experience: Complement the dish with garlic parmesan roasted potato wedges that mirror the pizza-inspired ingredients and add a satisfying crunch.

Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joe Style Variations

• Vegetarian Pizza Sloppy Joes: Replace ground beef with crumbled plant-based meat or lentils, maintaining the classic pepperoni pizza flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free buns or serve the saucy mixture over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that keeps the pizza-inspired taste.
• Spicy Lovers' Version: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to amp up the heat, creating a zesty kick to the traditional sloppy joe recipe.
• Mediterranean Spin: Swap pepperoni for chopped kalamata olives and add feta cheese, transforming the dish with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients while keeping the saucy base.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to brown it thoroughly and drain any excess liquid.

• Do I need to pre-cook the pepperoni before adding it to the skillet?

No, you can add the pepperoni directly to the mixture. It will warm up and release its flavors while simmering with the other ingredients.

• What kind of buns work best for this recipe?

Sturdy hamburger buns or toasted kaiser rolls are ideal. They should be able to hold the saucy mixture without falling apart. Whole wheat or classic white buns both work great.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild flavor from the pepperoni and Italian seasoning. If you want more heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to increase the spiciness.

Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Pepperoni pizza sloppy joes blend classic Italian and American comfort flavors into one irresistible meal. Melted cheese, zesty marinara, and spicy pepperoni create a mouthwatering mashup that brings delicious excitement to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (0.9 kilograms) ground beef
• 15 ounces (425 grams) pepperoni
• 6 hamburger buns
• 6 slices mozzarella cheese

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Tomato Base:

• 1 15-ounce (425 grams) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 8-ounce (227 grams) can tomato sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat the skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring a clean, dry surface for even cooking.
2. Crumble the ground beef into the hot skillet, breaking it into small, uniform pieces for consistent texture.
3. Season the meat with salt, black pepper, and finely chopped garlic, stirring continuously to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
4. Once the beef is thoroughly cooked and no pink remains, carefully drain excess fat using a colander to reduce greasiness.
5. Return the meat to the skillet and sprinkle Italian seasoning across the surface, creating a fragrant herb-infused base.
6. Pour diced tomatoes and tomato sauce into the mixture, stirring to coat the beef evenly with the vibrant red sauce.
7. Add a touch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance the overall flavor profile.
8. Slice pepperoni into thin rounds and gently fold them into the simmering mixture, allowing their spicy oils to infuse the sauce.
9. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and meld the flavors.
10. Toast the hamburger buns until golden and crisp, creating a sturdy foundation for the saucy filling.
11. Generously spoon the pepperoni-studded beef mixture onto the prepared buns.
12. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the hot meat, letting it melt slightly for a creamy, indulgent finish.

Notes

• Customize the meat selection by using ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier alternative.
• Control the spice level by adjusting the Italian seasoning or adding red pepper flakes for extra kick.
• Enhance the cheesy factor by mixing different types of melting cheeses like provolone or cheddar alongside mozzarella.
• Toast the buns before serving to add a delightful crunch and prevent sogginess from the saucy mixture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg