Get ready for a flavor-packed mashup that will make your weeknight dinners unforgettable: Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes! Imagine all the cheesy, meaty, spicy joy of your favorite pepperoni pizza, tucked into a saucy, deliciously messy sandwich. This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser, blending two comfort food classics into one delicious bite. With a speedy cook time and simple ingredients, you’ll want to make these again and again—especially for family nights, casual gatherings, or anytime you’re craving a fun twist on the traditional sloppy joe.

Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for your Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes is blissfully short and straightforward, but every item plays a starring role. From the perfectly seasoned beef to that gooey mozzarella cheese, these essentials bring color, richness, and serious pizza vibes to your table.

Ground beef (1 pound): Brings hearty flavor and a juicy, satisfying texture to the sandwich base.
Yellow onion (1 small, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and a mild bite that melds perfectly into the meat.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Lends depth and that classic savory aroma you expect in pizza-inspired dishes.
Pizza sauce (1 cup): Delivers zesty tomato flavor with just the right blend of herbs and spices.
Diced pepperoni (1/2 cup): Gives a pop of salty, spicy richness—key for the pepperoni pizza experience.
Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Provides that signature Italian flavor that makes pizza so irresistible.
Dried basil (1/2 teaspoon): Adds herbal sweetness and a touch of color to the mix.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Turn up the heat if you like a little extra zing!
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melted right in, this cheese gets gooey and stretchy—just like pizza.
Hamburger buns (4, toasted): Toasting helps them hold up to all the saucy goodness.
Olive oil (for cooking): Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics to golden perfection.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Balances all the flavors and lets you customize the seasoning at the end.

How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a generous drizzle of olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the finely chopped onion. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, bringing a wonderfully fragrant base to your Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes filling.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef into the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Brown the meat thoroughly, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once there’s no more pink, carefully drain off any excess fat—this step keeps the filling rich but not greasy.

Step 3: Add the Pizza Flavors

Pour in the pizza sauce, followed by the diced pepperoni, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if you’re craving some spice. Stir everything together, making sure that every morsel of beef gets coated in that pizza-inspired sauce.

Step 4: Simmer and Season

Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes. This gives all those amazing flavors time to mingle and combines the aromatic herbs and pepperoni for that true pizza essence. Taste the filling here and add salt and pepper to your liking—don’t skip this, as it really personalizes your Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes!

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Right before you’re ready to serve, sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until it melts into the saucy meat, turning it gooey and tempting. This is the moment where the dish truly starts to scream “pepperoni pizza!”

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Spoon the cheesy, saucy filling generously onto your toasted hamburger buns. These buns should be sturdy and crisp from toasting, making them the best vessel for your Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes. Serve warm and get ready for some delighted, slightly messy eating!

How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella or parmigiano reggiano over the top for even more cheese appeal. Chopped fresh parsley, basil, or a handful of sliced black olives makes each sandwich extra inviting and brings a little color to the plate.

Side Dishes

Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes are already full of flair, so pairing them with simple sides works wonders. A crisp green salad, garlic Parmesan fries, or roasted veggies complement the bold flavors and balance the meal. Even classic potato chips or a dill pickle spear fit perfectly next to these savory sandwiches!

Creative Ways to Present

Transform these sloppy joes into party sliders by spooning the filling onto mini brioche buns for a fun, bite-sized twist. If you love extra cheese, broil the tops with a slice of mozzarella for a pizza-melt effect. Or, try serving the filling over baked sweet potatoes or inside hollowed-out bell peppers for a lighter, gluten-free option that still packs all the pizza punch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes are a gift for tomorrow’s lunch! Let the meat mixture cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the buns separate to prevent them from getting soggy—assemble just before eating for the best texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooled filling in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as possible, label, and store for up to 2 months. Let the mixture thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, so it comes out tender and saucy every time.

Reheating

Reheat leftover filling gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot and bubbly. You can also microwave individual portions, covering loosely to trap steam and keep in moisture. If the mixture looks thick, stir in a splash of water or extra pizza sauce to bring it back to life before piling it onto fresh-toasted buns.

FAQs

Can I make Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes with ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic lean alternative. The sauce and pepperoni provide plenty of flavor, so the switch works beautifully—and you’ll barely notice the difference.

Is this recipe spicy?

The base recipe is mildly spiced, but the red pepper flakes and the type Main Course. For a milder version, skip the red pepper flakes or use mild pepperoni. For spice lovers, add more flakes or choose a hot pepperoni.

What’s the best way to toast buns for sloppy joes?

For buns that don’t fall apart easily, brush the cut sides with a little olive oil and toast them under the broiler or on a skillet until golden and crisp. This helps them hold up to all that delicious, saucy filling!

Can I add veggies to the filling?

Definitely! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach are great additions and add some extra nutrition and color. Sauté extra veggies along with the onion at the beginning, and chop them finely so they blend seamlessly into the filling.

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

While mozzarella is classic for that stretchy, pizza vibe, you can swap in provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of Italian cheeses for a fun twist. Add a handful of grated Parmesan for an extra punch of flavor!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy dinner that’s a guaranteed hit, give these Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes a try. They’re speedy, jam-packed with flavor, and just the right amount of messy in the best possible way. Once you’ve tasted this irresistible fusion, you’ll want it on repeat for every pizza and sloppy joe craving combined!

Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the flavors of pepperoni pizza in a fun, sloppy joe twist with this Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes recipe. Savory ground beef, zesty pizza sauce, spicy pepperoni, and gooey mozzarella cheese come together in a deliciously messy sandwich that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Toppings:

1 cup pizza sauce
1/2 cup diced pepperoni
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Additional:

4 hamburger buns, toasted
Olive oil for cooking
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: Heat a skillet over medium heat with olive oil. Cook onions until soft, then add garlic.
Cook Ground Beef: Brown ground beef in the skillet, breaking it up. Drain excess fat.
Add Ingredients: Stir in pizza sauce, pepperoni, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer.
Season and Melt Cheese: Season with salt and pepper. Melt in mozzarella cheese.
Assemble: Spoon mixture onto toasted buns and serve.