Slow Cooker Pizza Sloppy Joes

If you’re a fan of both pizza and sloppy joes, then this Slow Cooker Pizza Sloppy Joes recipe is the perfect fusion for you. Combining the savory, cheesy goodness of a pizza with the hearty, saucy comfort of sloppy joes, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner, throwing a game-day party, or just looking for a simple yet flavorful weeknight meal, this recipe checks all the boxes.

One of the best parts of this recipe is how effortless it is, thanks to the use of a slow cooker. Simply brown the ground beef, toss it into the slow cooker with pizza sauce and pepperoni, and let the magic happen while you go about your day. Slow cooking not only makes meal prep more convenient but also allows the flavors to develop and meld together beautifully over time. The result is a rich, hearty mixture that’s both flavorful and satisfying.

Assembling the sandwiches is quick and easy, with melty mozzarella cheese on soft rolls creating a perfect bite every time. This recipe offers everything you love about pizza and sloppy joes, with minimal effort required.

this recipe

Ingredients Breakdown 

• Ground Beef: The foundation of this dish is 2 pounds of ground beef. Opting for 80/20 ground beef strikes a perfect balance between flavor and texture. The fat content in 80/20 beef ensures that the mixture remains juicy and flavorful, without being too greasy. If you prefer a leaner option, you can go for 90/10 ground beef, but be aware that it may result in a drier texture unless you compensate with more sauce.
• Pizza Sauce: The pizza sauce is what gives this dish its distinct pizza flavor. You’ll need about 30 ounces, which equates to two 15-ounce jars. Traditional pizza sauce works well, but you can also experiment with marinara or spicy pizza sauces, depending on your preference. A homemade sauce can add an extra layer of customization, allowing you to adjust the flavors to your liking.
• Pepperoni: Adding ½ cup of halved pepperoni slices gives this dish its iconic pizza taste. By cutting the slices in half, you ensure that the pepperoni is well-distributed throughout the mixture. If you prefer a lighter option, turkey pepperoni is a great alternative, or you can substitute sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Shredded Mozzarella: The addition of 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese helps create that signature gooey, cheesy texture that makes these sloppy joes irresistible. The shredded cheese melts into the beef mixture during the final stages of cooking, making every bite deliciously creamy.
• Mozzarella Slices: Placing a slice of mozzarella on each sandwich elevates the pizza-like experience. The slices melt beautifully over the beef mixture when served, adding an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
• Rolls: The final component of this dish is the bread. Soft hamburger buns work perfectly, but for a more artisanal touch, consider using ciabatta or hoagie rolls. For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free rolls are a great option to accommodate everyone at the table.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Browning the Ground Beef

Browning the ground beef is a crucial first step that significantly enhances the overall flavor of your Pizza Sloppy Joes. When you brown the beef, the high heat causes the natural sugars and proteins in the meat to caramelize, creating rich, savory flavors that serve as the foundation of the dish. This process, known as the Maillard reaction, gives the meat a deeper taste, which is essential in slow-cooked recipes.

To begin, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and let it sit undisturbed for a minute to allow some of the meat to brown. As the beef cooks, use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it apart into smaller crumbles, ensuring even cooking. Continue stirring and breaking apart the meat as it browns, which should take about 7-10 minutes.

Once the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, you’ll notice excess fat pooling in the skillet. It’s important to drain this fat to avoid a greasy texture in your sloppy joes. To do this, carefully tilt the skillet and use a spoon or ladle to remove the excess fat. Alternatively, you can pour the beef into a colander and allow the fat to drain away. Properly draining the fat ensures that the final dish is rich without being overly oily.

Transferring to the Slow Cooker 

Once your ground beef is browned and the excess fat has been drained, it’s time to transfer the meat into your slow cooker. Carefully scoop the cooked beef into the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading it out evenly. This even distribution ensures that all the ingredients will be well-mixed and cooked uniformly during the slow cooking process.

At this point, you can choose to add extra ingredients to enhance the flavor, such as finely chopped onions or minced garlic. Both of these additions can bring extra depth to the beef mixture, infusing it with a savory base that complements the pizza sauce. If using onions or garlic, sauté them briefly in the skillet before adding them to the slow cooker to unlock their full flavor potential. This simple step takes your dish to the next level and gives it a more complex taste profile.

Adding Pizza Sauce and Pepperoni 

Next, stir in the pizza sauce and pepperoni to transform your beef into a pizza-flavored masterpiece. The pizza sauce is the star of the dish, providing the rich tomato flavor that’s synonymous with pizza. For this recipe, you’ll need about 30 ounces (two 15-ounce jars) of pizza sauce. Pre-made pizza sauces are a convenient option because they come pre-seasoned with herbs like oregano, basil, and garlic, which enhance the overall flavor profile without requiring much extra effort. If you prefer more control over the seasoning, homemade pizza sauce is also a great alternative.

Once you’ve added the sauce, toss in ½ cup of halved pepperoni slices. These slices give the dish its classic pizza taste, adding a slightly spicy, salty bite that complements the savory beef. Pepperoni also releases its oils as it cooks, infusing the mixture with even more flavor. By cutting the pepperoni in half, you ensure that every bite has a little bit of that signature pepperoni flavor without overwhelming the dish.

For those who want to get creative, consider mixing in additional pizza toppings like sliced olives, mushrooms, or diced green peppers. These optional ingredients add texture and extra layers of flavor, making the dish even more customized to your personal pizza preferences.

Cooking in the Slow Cooker

Now that all your ingredients are combined, it’s time to let the slow cooker work its magic. Set the slow cooker to low and cook the beef, sauce, and pepperoni mixture for 3 hours. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together over time, resulting in a rich and hearty dish. The low and steady heat helps tenderize the beef even further, making it incredibly flavorful and juicy.

If you’re pressed for time, you can cook the mixture on high for 1.5 hours, but the low and slow method is preferred for the best results. It allows the ingredients to fully infuse with flavor and gives the dish its signature texture.

To prevent the mixture from drying out, ensure that the lid stays on the slow cooker throughout the cooking process. If you notice the mixture is a bit thick toward the end, you can stir in a small amount of water or additional sauce to reach your desired consistency. Be sure to taste the mixture before serving to adjust seasoning if needed.

Adding Shredded Cheese 

After the beef mixture has cooked for about 3 hours, it’s time to add the shredded mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the beef mixture. As the cheese melts, it will blend into the beef and sauce, creating a creamy, gooey layer that’s reminiscent of melted pizza cheese.

The shredded mozzarella plays a key role in enhancing the dish’s texture, adding that stretchy, cheesy element that’s essential in both pizza and sloppy joes. The slow cooker’s residual heat will be enough to melt the cheese perfectly. Cover the slow cooker again and allow the cheese to melt for an additional 30 minutes.

If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, you can experiment with other cheese options. Cheddar, provolone, or even a blend of Italian cheeses (such as Parmesan, Asiago, or Romano) can offer a more complex, savory taste. For an extra cheesy result, simply increase the amount of shredded mozzarella to 1.5 or even 2 cups, depending on your preference.

Assembling the Sloppy Joes

Now that your pizza-flavored beef mixture is ready and the cheese has melted to perfection, it’s time to assemble the sloppy joes. Begin by spooning a generous portion of the beef mixture onto the bottom half of each roll. Be sure to get a good mix of meat, sauce, and pepperoni in every scoop.

After spooning on the beef mixture, top each sandwich with a slice of mozzarella cheese. The heat from the meat will naturally soften and melt the slice, adding that final layer of cheesy goodness. If you prefer, you can place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for a minute to achieve a lightly toasted top and even more melted cheese.

Serve the sloppy joes immediately while they’re hot and cheesy. For parties, consider serving mini sliders instead of full-sized sandwiches for a fun, shareable option. These sliders are perfect for game days or casual gatherings.

Serving Tips 

Pizza Sloppy Joes are incredibly versatile, and there are many great side dishes to complement them. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables can add a healthy balance to the meal, while classic sides like French fries, sweet potato fries, or onion rings make it feel even more indulgent.

If you have leftovers, store the beef mixture separately from the rolls to prevent sogginess. The mixture can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before assembling fresh sandwiches.

For a gourmet touch, garnish your sandwiches with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil, parsley, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. You could also offer some Parmesan on the side for guests who want to add an extra cheesy kick to their sandwiches.

Variations and Additional Information

Recipe Variations 

This Slow Cooker Pizza Sloppy Joes recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences or dietary needs.

• Vegetarian Version: To make this dish vegetarian, simply substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat such as Beyond Meat or another meatless alternative. There are also vegetarian pepperoni options available, so you can maintain the pizza flavor while keeping it plant-based.
• Spicy Version: For those who love a kick of heat, opt for a spicy pizza sauce or add extra red pepper flakes into the mix. You can also sprinkle in sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for more intensity.
• Hawaiian Style: If you enjoy sweet and savory combinations, try a Hawaiian twist. Add pineapple chunks and diced ham to the beef mixture. The pineapple brings sweetness, while the ham adds a different type of savory flavor, making for a unique and tasty variation.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap out the regular rolls for gluten-free buns or sandwich bread. Additionally, make sure to use a gluten-free pizza sauce, as some sauces may contain gluten-based ingredients.

Tips for Success 

To ensure your Pizza Sloppy Joes turn out perfectly, follow these key tips:

• Monitor the cheese: When you add the shredded mozzarella, make sure to check it periodically during the final cooking stage. You want the cheese to melt fully but avoid leaving it in too long, which could cause the cheese to burn or become rubbery.
• Prevent soggy sandwiches: To keep your sandwiches from becoming soggy, assemble them just before serving. If you plan to have leftovers, store the beef mixture and rolls separately and assemble when ready to eat. This helps preserve the texture and taste of the rolls.
• Reheating leftovers: Reheat any leftover meat mixture on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Stir in a little extra sauce or water to bring back moisture if necessary.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Pizza Sloppy Joes provides a hearty portion of flavor, but if you’re watching your calories or fat intake, there are ways to lighten up the dish.

• Calories and fat content: On average, a serving made with 80/20 ground beef, regular pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese contains around 500-600 calories per sandwich, with a moderate amount of fat from the beef and cheese.
• Healthier alternatives: To reduce the calorie and fat content, you can use leaner ground beef (such as 90/10), or even ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Swapping regular pepperoni for turkey pepperoni also cuts down on fat. Additionally, opting for part-skim or low-fat mozzarella cheese will keep the dish creamy while reducing fat.
• Sauce considerations: Some pizza sauces contain added sugars or oils, so choosing a low-sugar or reduced-fat version can further lighten the overall dish without sacrificing flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can easily substitute ground beef with other types of meat, depending on your preferences or dietary needs. Ground turkey or chicken are excellent leaner alternatives, offering a lighter version of the dish while still delivering plenty of flavor. If you’re looking for a meatless option, plant-based alternatives like Beyond Meat or Impossible Meat work just as well and will still give you a delicious, hearty meal without compromising on texture or taste.

2. How long will leftovers keep?

When stored in an airtight container, the beef mixture will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before assembling the sandwiches. To maintain the best texture, store the rolls separately and assemble fresh sandwiches each time.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is a great make-ahead option. You can prepare the beef mixture a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. When it’s time to eat, simply reheat the mixture on the stove or in the slow cooker on low, then assemble your sloppy joes with fresh rolls and mozzarella cheese.

4. Can I freeze this recipe?

Absolutely! The beef mixture freezes well and can be stored for up to 3 months. Once cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. To serve, thaw the mixture in the fridge overnight and reheat it thoroughly before assembling your sloppy joes.

5. Can I make this without a slow cooker?

Yes, if you don’t have a slow cooker, you can still enjoy this recipe. Simply brown the beef in a large skillet or pot, add the pizza sauce and pepperoni, and simmer the mixture on low for about 30 minutes. Once the flavors have melded, stir in the shredded cheese and allow it to melt before assembling your sandwiches.