These Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes combine the saucy goodness of sloppy joes with the bold, cheesy flavors of a pepperoni pizza. Ready in just 30 minutes, this fun and hearty dish is ideal for feeding a crowd or treating your family to a new dinner favorite. Serve it on toasted buns with a side of salad or fries for a complete meal!
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup (120 ml) pizza sauce
- ¼ cup (60 g) diced pepperoni
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 hamburger buns, toasted
- Optional toppings: sliced black olives, diced bell peppers
Directions
Cook the beef mixture
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Add the sauce and pepperoni
- Stir in the pizza sauce and diced pepperoni. Cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Melt the cheese
- Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the beef mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt, about 2 minutes.
Assemble the sloppy joes
- Spoon the pepperoni pizza sloppy joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns. Add optional toppings, if desired.
Notes
- Meat options: You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Storage: Store leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
- Freezing tip: The beef mixture can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
These Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on two comfort food classics, offering bold flavors and easy preparation. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or simply craving something cheesy and hearty, this recipe is sure to satisfy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joe mixture ahead of time?
Yes, the sloppy joe mixture can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply reheat the mixture on the stovetop or in the microwave before assembling the sandwiches. You can also freeze the cooked beef mixture for up to 2 months; thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and assembling.
What are some good ingredient substitutions for this recipe?
You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken, using a 1:1 ratio. For a spicier kick, add ½ to 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes when you add the garlic powder and Italian seasoning. If you don’t have pizza sauce, you can use marinara sauce, but you might want to add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
How do I know when the Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joe mixture is perfectly cooked?
The ground beef should be fully browned and cooked through, with no pink remaining. The sauce should have thickened slightly after simmering with the pepperoni. The mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly when you cover the skillet at the end. The mixture should be heated through, and the flavors should be well combined.
Can I double or triple this recipe to feed a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe. When doubling, you may need to use a larger skillet or cook the beef in batches to prevent overcrowding. Increase the cooking time for the sauce by a few minutes to ensure it thickens adequately. For tripling, consider using two skillets or a very large one and adjusting cooking times accordingly.
What are the nutritional highlights of these Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes?
This recipe provides protein from the ground beef (or alternative meat options), and calcium from the mozzarella cheese. The pepperoni adds some iron and flavor. The pizza sauce contributes lycopene, an antioxidant. Consider adding a side salad or vegetables to boost the vitamin and fiber content of the meal.
Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes
A delicious twist on a classic, combining the flavors of a pepperoni pizza with sloppy joes.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 20 slices pepperoni cut into quarters
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese or provolone
- 4 buns burger buns lightly toasted
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
- Drain the excess fat and add pizza sauce and pepperoni to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Place the meat mixture onto toasted buns and top with mozzarella cheese slices. Serve hot.
Notes
For added flavor, sprinkle some Italian seasoning over the cheese before serving.
