Nothing beats the cozy, flavorful hug of a classic sloppy joe, especially when it’s been given a zesty, cheesy twist with my favorite Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes Recipe. This dish brings together hearty ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and that unmistakable pizza flair with mini pepperoni slices and melty mozzarella cheese, all piled high on soft hamburger buns. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both fun and satisfying—like your favorite pizza and sloppy joes had a delicious baby. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this recipe delivers big on taste with simple ingredients and easy steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward ingredients is key to creating this mouthwatering Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes Recipe. Each component is chosen not only to amplify flavor but also to bring color, texture, and that irresistible pizza vibe to every bite.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides the hearty, savory base that holds everything together.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds aromatic sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped: Offers a mild crunch and bright freshness.
- 1 cup pizza sauce: Brings in rich tomato flavor with herbs to tie all ingredients.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Infuses classic pizza herbs like oregano and basil.
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices: The star ingredient that injects savory, spicy zing.
- 4 hamburger buns: Soft and sturdy to hold your sloppy joe masterpiece.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly for gooey, irresistible topping.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preparing your baking sheet with parchment paper or a light greasing ensures your sloppy joes don’t stick when baking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Vegetables
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s nicely caramelized, which builds the rich base flavor. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper next; cook them until tender to soften and sweeten the mix while keeping some texture.
Step 3: Add the Pizza Flavors
To the cooked beef and veggies, stir in the pizza sauce and Italian seasoning—these transform the dish with classic pizza aromas. Toss in the mini pepperoni slices so they release their spicy oils into the sauce, giving every bite that delicious, authentic pepperoni punch.
Step 4: Assemble Your Sloppy Joes
Lay the bottom halves of your hamburger buns on the prepared baking sheet and spoon generous amounts of the sloppy joe mixture onto them. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, promising that gooey, melty cheese finish you’re craving.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the assembled sloppy joes into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly. This step blankets your creation with irresistible golden cheese and warms everything through, locking in the flavors.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the sloppy joes from the oven, top them with the remaining bun halves, and serve immediately. The result is a beautifully messy, comforting meal that’s bursting with pizza-inspired goodness in every bite.
How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add an exciting fresh or spicy kick. A light drizzle of garlic butter on the buns before assembling also elevates the flavor brilliantly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like crispy oven-baked fries, a fresh garden salad, or even garlic knots to keep the pizza theme going. The sides can add crunch or freshness to balance the hearty sloppy joes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes open-faced on rustic wooden boards to showcase those glorious cheesy tops. For a party, cut them into slider-size portions for easy grab-and-go bites. Adding a small bowl of extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping is always a winner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a quick and delicious next-day meal with minimal effort.
Freezing
If you want to save your sloppy joe mixture in bulk, it freezes beautifully. Just cool completely, place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, and store for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a little extra cheese on top and pop under the broiler for a minute to revive that fresh-baked melt.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well, though the flavor will be lighter. You might want to add a bit more seasoning or a touch of olive oil to keep the mix juicy and flavorful for the best Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes Recipe experience.
What if I don’t have mini pepperoni slices?
No worries! Just chop up regular pepperoni into small pieces, or even use diced salami for a similar spicy kick. The pepperoni is key to that signature taste, so don’t skip it!
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the ground beef for plant-based ground meat substitutes or lentils, and use vegetarian pepperoni or omit it altogether. Using a robust tomato sauce and plenty of Italian seasoning will keep the flavors lively.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely. Kids tend to love sloppy joes, and adding the fun pizza twist makes these Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes Recipe a hit. Adjust seasoning levels as needed for picky eaters.
How spicy are these sloppy joes?
The dish has a mild to moderate spice level, mostly from the pepperoni. If you prefer less heat, choose milder pepperoni or reduce the amount. You can also customize the seasoning to your taste easily.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a fresh spin on a beloved classic, the Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes Recipe is a must-try. It brings pizza night and comfort food together in one lazy, cheesy handheld bite that’s sure to become a fast favorite at your table. Give it a whirl anytime you want to brighten up dinner with big, bold flavors and simple steps that deliver every single time.
Print
Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes combine the classic comfort of sloppy joes with the beloved flavors of pizza, featuring ground beef simmered with pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, mini pepperoni slices, and melted mozzarella cheese on a soft hamburger bun. Perfect for a fun, family-friendly dinner in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking during baking.
- Prepare the Sloppy Joe Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper, cooking until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and mini pepperoni slices, then let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Place the bottom halves of the hamburger buns on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon an even amount of the sloppy joe mixture onto each bun bottom, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top.
- Bake the Sloppy Joes: Bake the assembled sloppy joes in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and everything is heated through.
- Serve: Remove the sloppy joes from the oven, place the top halves of the buns on each, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sloppy joe mixture if you like a bit of heat.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free buns.
- Try adding sliced black olives or mushrooms for extra pizza toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
