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