The Best Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes Recipe Everyone Will Love

Craving a mouthwatering pepperoni pizza sloppy joes mashup that combines two comfort food classics?

Bold flavors burst through this unexpected culinary creation.

Hearty ground beef mingles with zesty marinara sauce and crispy pepperoni bits.

Melted cheese cascades over the rich mixture, promising a delectable experience.

Kids and adults alike will devour this playful twist on traditional sloppy joes.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tangy and savory notes.

Hungry for a quick, crowd-pleasing meal that breaks all the rules?

Jump into this recipe and make dinner extraordinary.

Sloppy Joes With a Pepperoni Pizza Twist

• Revolutionize Pizza Night: Transform traditional pizza into a fun, handheld sloppy joe that combines two beloved comfort foods in one exciting dish.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn an easy one-skillet cooking method that requires minimal kitchen skills while delivering maximum flavor with minimal ingredients.
• Create Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Craft a kid-approved meal that merges the classic flavors of pepperoni pizza with the messy, satisfying experience of sloppy joes, guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy.
• Quick Meal Solution: Prepare a delicious dinner in under 30 minutes that requires basic ingredients and simple cooking steps, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal planning.

Ingredients Found in Pizza Sloppy Joes

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the main substance for the sloppy joe mixture.
• Mini Pepperoni Slices: A classic pizza topping that adds a spicy and zesty flavor to the dish.

• Onion: Adds a sweet and aromatic depth to the sloppy joe mixture.
• Green Bell Pepper: Contributes a crisp texture and fresh vegetable flavor to the recipe.

• Mozzarella Cheese: A stretchy and mild cheese that melts perfectly and gives a pizza-like experience.
• Hamburger Buns: The foundation that holds the sloppy joe mixture and creates a convenient handheld meal.
• Pizza Sauce: A tangy and herb-infused sauce that brings the pizza flavor to the sloppy joe concept.

• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that provides a classic pizza-inspired taste profile.

Cooking Instructions for Pepperoni Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef and break it apart while cooking.

Keep stirring until the meat turns a rich golden brown and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Chopped green bell peppers

Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and slightly translucent, releasing their aromatic flavors into the meat.

Step 3: Create the Saucy Base

• Pizza sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Mini pepperoni slices

Let the mixture simmer and bubble gently, allowing the flavors to meld together and intensify for about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Prep for Baking

Arrange hamburger bun bottoms on a lined baking sheet. Generously spoon the saucy beef mixture over each bun bottom.

Shower each portion with a blanket of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Melt and Crisp

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake until the cheese transforms into a molten, golden landscape and the edges of the buns turn a delightful golden brown, typically 10-15 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Devour

Pull the sloppy joes from the oven.

Crown each portion with its matching bun top. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while piping hot.

Get ready for a flavor explosion that combines the best of pizza and sloppy joes in one epic sandwich!

Tips to Perfect Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes

• Brown ground beef thoroughly to develop deeper, richer taste and prevent watery texture.
• Adjust pizza sauce and seasoning amounts to match your preferred heat and flavor intensity.
• Ensure mozzarella is evenly distributed and shredded finely for smooth, quick melting coverage.
• Prepare sloppy joe mixture in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and streamline dinner preparation.
• Lightly toast hamburger bun bottoms before adding mixture to prevent sogginess and add crispy texture.

Different Styles of Pizza Sloppy Joe Fillings

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, adding extra bell peppers and mushrooms for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños and a dash of hot sauce into the mixture for those craving extra heat and zesty flavors.
• Mediterranean Style: Swap pizza sauce with marinara, add crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle dried oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired sloppy joe experience.
• Chicken Pizza Swap: Use ground chicken instead of beef, maintaining the pepperoni and cheese elements for a lighter protein alternative.

Sides That Work With Pepperoni Sloppy Joes

• Sip a Zesty Tomato Basil Mocktail: Craft a refreshing non-alcoholic drink blending tomato juice, fresh basil leaves, a splash of lime, and a pinch of black pepper to complement the pizza sloppy joe's tangy flavor profile.
• Pair with Crisp Antipasto Salad: Create a light side salad featuring chopped salami, provolone cheese, marinated artichokes, olives, and cherry tomatoes dressed in Italian vinaigrette to balance the rich, meaty sloppy joes.
• Serve with Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges: Bake seasoned potato wedges coated in garlic, parmesan, and herbs as a perfect crunchy side that echoes the pizza-inspired flavors of the main dish.

Keep Sloppy Joes Flavorful and Ready to Reheat

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer sloppy joe mixture to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Keep buns separate to maintain their texture.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

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

• How spicy are these Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes?

The spice level is mild due to the pizza sauce and pepperoni. If you want more heat, add red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni slices.

• Do I need to buy special pepperoni for this recipe?

No, regular mini pepperoni slices from the grocery store will work great. Look for pre-sliced pepperoni in the deli or pizza topping section.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the pizza and sloppy joe combination. The cheesy, meaty mixture is typically a hit with children and easy to eat.

Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Pepperoni pizza sloppy joes merge classic comfort foods into one mouthwatering marvel. Melted cheese, zesty marinara, and spicy pepperoni create a hearty sandwich you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Vegetables:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices

Pizza and Cheese Components:

• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) Italian seasoning

Bread:

• 4 hamburger buns

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature and thoroughly brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles.
2. Incorporate finely diced onions and green bell peppers, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and softened.
3. Pour pizza sauce into the meat mixture, stirring in Italian seasoning and mini pepperoni slices, allowing the ingredients to meld together for 3-4 minutes.
4. Arrange hamburger bun bottoms on a parchment-lined baking sheet, creating a stable base for the sloppy joe filling.
5. Generously ladle the pepperoni-infused meat mixture onto each bun, ensuring even distribution.
6. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat, creating a potential for melty, gooey coverage.
7. Slide the prepared baking sheet into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for cheese to completely melt and edges to turn golden.
8. Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven, topping each sloppy joe with its corresponding bun half.
9. Serve immediately while hot, allowing the aromatic blend of pizza and sloppy joe flavors to entice eager diners.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version that maintains the same delicious flavor profile.
• Replace meat with plant-based crumbles or lentils to create a meat-free alternative that still captures the pizza-inspired essence.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like provolone or cheddar to customize the melty topping according to personal preferences.
• Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for extra kick, or keep it mild for kids by reducing seasoning intensity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 628 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg