Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes: A Cheesy, Pizza-Inspired Twist

Craving the bold flavors of pizza in a fun, handheld package? These Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes combine the juicy, savory goodness of a sloppy joe with the cheesy, pepperoni-packed taste of your favorite pizza. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or kid-friendly meals. This recipe from TastyRecipeHub.com is a crowd-pleaser and a star in our eBook, 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple. Let’s dive into this melty, pizza-inspired delight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes are a must-try for pizza and burger lovers, offering:

• Pizza-Meets-Sloppy-Joe: A fun fusion of cheesy, pepperoni-packed flavors.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes for a hassle-free meal.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults who love bold, comforting flavors.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Great for game days, parties, or casual dinners.
• Shareable: Ideal for X posts with #TastyRecipeHub to showcase your cheesy creation.

This dish is a fun, flavorful addition to your recipe collection, just like the bold recipes in our eBook, available for just $2.99 on Gumroad.

Ingredients

This recipe makes 4 sloppy joes (serves 4). Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Sloppy Joe Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (about ¾ cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup pepperoni slices, chopped (about 20 slices)
• 1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste (about ½ tsp each)

For Assembly:

• 4 hamburger buns (brioche or classic)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Garnish:

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
• Extra red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Baking sheet or oven-safe tray (for broiling)
• Tongs (for assembling)
• Toaster, skillet, or oven (for toasting buns)

Instructions

Follow these steps to create cheesy, pizza-inspired sloppy joes that are sure to impress.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

1. Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink.
2. Drain excess fat from the skillet to keep the filling from being greasy.
3. Stir in ½ cup chopped pepperoni and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly crispy and fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Stir in 1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce, ¼ cup tomato paste, 1 tbsp sugar, ½ tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp dried basil, and ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and flavors meld.

Step 4: Toast the Buns

1. Preheat your oven’s broiler or a toaster to medium-high.
2. Place 4 hamburger buns (cut side up) on a baking sheet or in a skillet. Toast for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy.

Step 5: Assemble the Sloppy Joes

1. Spoon the meat mixture evenly onto the bottom half of each toasted bun.
2. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese over the meat mixture on each bun.
3. Place the open-faced sandwiches under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

1. Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
2. Place the top bun on each sandwich and serve warm with your favorite sides.

Serving Suggestions

• Weeknight Dinner: Pair with fries, tater tots, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
• Game Day Feast: Serve with onion rings and a cold soda or beer for a fan-favorite spread.
• Kid-Friendly Meal: Offer with carrot sticks or apple slices for a balanced plate.
• Party Platter: Make slider-sized versions using small buns for a fun appetizer.

Love This Recipe? Get More in Our eBook!

If these Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes have you craving more bold American dishes, check out 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple. This eBook is packed with