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Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes
If you love the saucy goodness of Sloppy Joes and the cheesy comfort of pepperoni pizza, this recipe is about to blow your mind. These Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes combine two American favorites into one insanely delicious, family-friendly dinner — ready in under 30 minutes!
Each bite brings you the best of both worlds: tender ground beef cooked in a garlicky pizza-style sauce, studded with spicy pepperoni, and topped with gooey mozzarella. Piled high on toasted buns, it’s the kind of meal that disappears as fast as it hits the table.
Whether you’re cooking for kids, hosting game night, or just craving something fun and hearty, this quick skillet dinner delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
🍔 Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean 85/15 works best)
- ½ yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup pizza sauce (or marinara sauce)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 1 cup diced pepperoni (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- 4 brioche or hamburger buns
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Toast the Buns
Brush buns lightly with olive oil and toast them in a skillet or oven until golden. Set aside.
2. Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onions over medium heat until beef is browned and onions are soft, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
3. Add Garlic and Seasonings
Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper. Cook for 1 minute to release the aroma.
4. Create the Pizza Sauce Base
Pour in pizza sauce and stir to coat the beef evenly. Add diced pepperoni and Parmesan cheese, mixing until everything combines into a rich, thick sauce. Simmer for 3–5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
5. Add the Cheese
Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella until melted and gooey.
6. Assemble the Sloppy Joes
Spoon the saucy mixture onto the bottom buns, top with extra mozzarella and pepperoni slices. Place under the broiler for 1–2 minutes if you want the cheese extra melty.
7. Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh basil or parsley, cover with the bun, and dig in while hot!
🍕 Why You’ll Love These Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes
- Quick & easy: Ready in 30 minutes — perfect for busy nights.
- Kid-approved: All the pizza flavor kids love in a handheld sandwich.
- Customizable: Swap toppings or sauces to fit your pizza mood.
- One-pan meal: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
🧀 Tips for the Best Sloppy Joes
- Use fresh buns: Soft brioche or potato buns hold up well under the saucy filling.
- Add extra flavor: Mix in a splash of Worcestershire or balsamic glaze for depth.
- Make it cheesy: Stir in extra mozzarella or even provolone for more gooey goodness.
- For a crowd: Double the recipe and keep it warm in a slow cooker.
- Less mess tip: Lightly toast buns to prevent sogginess.
Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes
A fun and easy twist on classic sloppy joes, loaded with pizza sauce, pepperoni, and melted mozzarella for a saucy, cheesy sandwich everyone loves.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brush buns with olive oil and toast until golden; set aside.
- Cook ground beef and onion in skillet over medium heat until browned; drain.
- Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper; cook 1 minute.
- Stir in pizza sauce, diced pepperoni, and Parmesan; simmer 3–5 minutes.
- Mix in half of the mozzarella until melted and creamy.
- Spoon filling onto toasted buns, top with remaining mozzarella and extra pepperoni.
- Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra melty cheese.
- Garnish with basil or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Try with turkey pepperoni for a lighter option, or add mushrooms and bell peppers for a supreme-style version.
🌶️ Variations
- Supreme Pizza Sloppy Joes: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, and black olives.
- BBQ Pepperoni Joes: Replace pizza sauce with barbecue sauce and top with smoked gouda.
- Low-Carb Version: Skip the bun and serve over spaghetti squash or in lettuce wraps.
- Spicy Option: Use hot pepperoni and add jalapeños for a fiery kick.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
These hearty sandwiches pair perfectly with:
- Crispy fries or tater tots
- Simple side salad with Italian dressing
- Roasted veggies for a lighter side
- Garlic knots or breadsticks for a pizza night vibe
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftover filling in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Cool and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of water or sauce to loosen it.
For make-ahead meals, prep the filling earlier in the day — just reheat and assemble when ready to serve!
🍕 The Story Behind the Dish
The Sloppy Joe has long been an American comfort food staple — a quick, saucy sandwich born in diners and lunchrooms. The pizza version, however, takes things to the next level.
By swapping out traditional tomato sauce and ketchup for pizza sauce and adding pepperoni and cheese, you get an irresistible hybrid that’s both nostalgic and new. It’s like Friday night pizza and weeknight dinner had a baby — and it’s delicious.
❤️ Why This Recipe Works
The combination of beef and pepperoni creates a double-hit of umami. The pizza sauce and mozzarella bring creamy, savory flavor that’s familiar and comforting, while the toasted bun adds just the right texture contrast.
It’s comfort food, reinvented — quick, cheesy, and endlessly satisfying.
