Description
Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes bring together the savory, cheesy flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza with the hearty, saucy goodness of traditional sloppy joes. This easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Ground meat is cooked with pizza sauce and loaded with pepperoni and gooey melted cheese, then piled high on soft toasted buns for a fun and delicious meal that both kids and adults will love. With endless possibilities for customization, you can adjust the recipe to suit your dietary preferences or experiment with different toppings to make it your own.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs. Ground Beef
- 15 oz package of Pepperoni
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 2 tsp Minced Garlic
- 2 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 15 oz. can of Crushed Tomatoes
- 1 8 oz. can of Tomato Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 6 Hamburger Buns
- 6 slices of Mozzarella Cheese
Instructions
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet with the salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Drain off any excess grease.
Stir in the Italian Seasoning, tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, and pepperoni.
Allow the ingredients to simmer on low for 5-7 minutes until the flavors are combined.
Serve on the buns and top with the mozzarella cheese. Enjoy!
Notes
- Meat Choices: You can use ground beef for a rich, classic flavor, or opt for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner version. You can also substitute with plant-based meat crumbles for a vegetarian option.
- Pepperoni Substitutes: If you prefer something other than pepperoni, try spicy sausage, turkey pepperoni, or even crumbled bacon for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese Variations: While mozzarella is the go-to cheese for this recipe, feel free to use other melty cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a unique twist.
- Bread Choices: Brioche buns are soft and slightly sweet, making them a great option, but you can also use slider buns for a mini version, hoagie rolls for a more substantial sandwich, or gluten-free buns if needed.
- Customization: Add extra veggies like sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition. You can also spice it up by incorporating crushed red pepper, jalapeños, or hot sauce.
- Make Ahead: The meat and sauce mixture can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, or frozen for longer storage. Reheat before assembling for a quick meal.
- Healthier Adjustments: For a healthier version, use lean ground turkey, low-fat cheese, and whole wheat or low-carb buns. You can also reduce the amount of pepperoni or switch to a lower-fat version.