If you’re craving a fun and flavorful twist on two beloved classics—pepperoni pizza and sloppy joes—then this recipe for Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes is just what you need. Packed with savory ground beef, tangy marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and a generous helping of pepperoni, these sloppy joes are a pizza lover’s dream. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a family-friendly meal that everyone will enjoy, this recipe is a perfect choice!
Why You’ll Love Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes
When you think of sloppy joes, you probably picture a messy but delicious sandwich made with seasoned ground beef in a rich tomato sauce. But what if we could elevate this comfort food and combine it with something even more crowd-pleasing—pizza? That’s where Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes come into play.
These juicy, cheesy sandwiches combine the best of both worlds. Instead of the typical sloppy joe filling, this recipe incorporates the flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza: marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and, of course, lots of pepperoni slices. It’s the ultimate comfort food mashup that’s sure to satisfy everyone in the family.
What Makes These Sloppy Joes Different?
Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes stand out because they offer something a little different from the usual burger or sandwich fare. The combination of gooey melted cheese, tangy marinara, and crispy pepperoni elevates this dish from just another sloppy joe to a pizza-inspired creation. You get the rich flavors of a pizza without the hassle of making dough or waiting for it to bake.
Here’s why you’ll love this dish:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect recipe when you’re short on time but still want a meal that will impress.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy, meaty filling and the familiar flavors of pizza, making this a go-to dinner for picky eaters.
- Customizable: You can add or remove toppings depending on your preferences. Not a fan of green peppers? No problem! Want extra cheese or some extra spice? Go ahead!
- Perfect for Pizza Lovers: If you’re a pizza fan, this is a must-try recipe that brings together your two favorite foods in one dish.
Ingredients
To make Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef – The base of the sloppy joe mixture, offering a savory and hearty foundation.
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped – Adds a hint of sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped – For a bit of crunch and a fresh, slightly bitter flavor that balances the richness of the beef and cheese.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic brings a wonderful aromatic quality to the mix.
- 1 cup marinara sauce – The tomato base that gives this recipe its pizza-like flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A must-have for that unmistakable pizza taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – Adds a touch of heat. You can adjust or leave it out depending on your spice preference.
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni – The key ingredient that turns this recipe into a pizza-inspired creation. Adds a bit of fat and smokiness.
- 4 hamburger buns – To serve the delicious filling, perfectly toasted.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – The cheesy, gooey goodness that makes this dish irresistible.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes
1. Cook the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned and fully cooked through. This should take about 5–7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the filling from being greasy.
2. Add the Vegetables
Once the beef is cooked, it’s time to add the vegetables. Toss in the onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for another 4–5 minutes, until the vegetables have softened and the garlic becomes fragrant. This step adds a little sweetness and a lot of flavor to the filling.
3. Mix in the Marinara Sauce
Now it’s time to add the rich marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if you like a little spice). Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5–10 minutes, or until everything is heated through and the flavors have had a chance to meld together.
4. Toast the Buns
While the beef mixture is simmering, toast your hamburger buns. You can either lightly toast them in a skillet or pop them in the toaster for a few minutes. This step ensures that the buns hold up to the juicy filling and doesn’t get soggy.
5. Assemble the Sloppy Joes
Once everything is ready, it’s time to assemble the Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes. Spoon the beef and marinara mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Make sure to evenly distribute the filling so each bite has a perfect balance of beef, sauce, and veggies. Then, top each sandwich with shredded mozzarella cheese and place the top bun on top.
6. Serve and Enjoy
These sandwiches are best served hot. The cheese will melt beautifully over the filling, making every bite a gooey, cheesy delight. Serve them with a side of crispy fries, a fresh salad, or even some garlic bread for a well-rounded meal.
Tips for the Best Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes
- Make it spicy: If you love heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture. The red pepper flakes are optional, so feel free to adjust the spice level to your taste.
- Cheese it up: Want even more cheese? Feel free to add a second layer of mozzarella or even some Parmesan for an extra cheesy kick.
- Switch up the meat: If you’re not a fan of beef, you can swap it out for ground turkey or chicken. The recipe will still be flavorful and satisfying.
- Add veggies: Make the dish even more nutritious by adding other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. These will complement the rich marinara and pepperoni flavors beautifully.
- Meal prep: This recipe is easy to make ahead of time. You can prepare the beef mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve!
Why You Should Try Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes
This recipe for Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes brings a fun twist to a classic comfort food that your family is sure to love. The combination of the savory ground beef, pizza-inspired marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella, and crispy pepperoni creates a flavor-packed sandwich that’s hard to resist. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, weekend cookouts, or any time you want to treat your taste buds to something a little different.
Whether you’re a fan of pizza or sloppy joes (or both!), this recipe is the ideal fusion of two favorites that will leave you craving more. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and full of cheesy goodness—what’s not to love?
If You Loved This Recipe, Check Out These Other Delicious Ideas
If you loved these Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes, don’t forget to share your creation on social media! And for more delicious ideas, check out these other recipes you’re sure to enjoy:
- Cheese Baked Macaroni – The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
- Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Potatoes – The Ultimate Comfort Food
- Cheesy Garlic Bacon Burger Bites – Bite-Sized Deliciousness
Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes – A Fun Twist on a Classic Meal
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on a classic favorite! Made with ground beef, marinara sauce, and pepperoni, they bring together the cheesy, savory goodness of pizza in a sloppy joe form. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Mix in Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and sliced pepperoni. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
- Toast the Buns: While the mixture is simmering, lightly toast the hamburger buns in a separate skillet or toaster.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Spoon the pepperoni pizza mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and place the top half of the bun on each.
- Serve: Serve the Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes hot and enjoy this cheesy, meaty delight that combines two favorites in one satisfying meal!
Notes
- For extra cheesy goodness, you can add more mozzarella cheese on top while serving.
- If you like it spicy, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- This recipe is easy to customize with your favorite pizza toppings like olives or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Pepperoni pizza sloppy joes, easy dinner recipe, quick meal, kid-friendly recipe, homemade sloppy joes, pizza lovers, cheesy sloppy joes