If your two favorite comfort foods are pepperoni pizza and sloppy joes, you’re about to fall in love! Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes are exactly what you’re dreaming of: all the flavors of saucy, cheesy pizza sandwiched into hearty buns for a family-friendly weeknight dinner that’s ready in just 25 minutes. Every bite is rich with melty mozzarella, bold pepperoni, and a savory beef mixture, making it impossible to eat just one. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or just craving a cozy meal, this recipe brings joy to the table while being downright easy to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for these Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes is short, straightforward, and full of pantry staples. Each one is carefully chosen to add flavor, texture, and that signature pizza-inspired charm, so don’t be afraid to pick up the best you can find!
- Olive oil: Helps soften the onions and gives the beef a beautiful, golden sear without excess greasiness.
- Ground beef: The hearty base of the mixture, giving richness and a traditional sloppy joe texture.
- Yellow onion (diced): Brings gentle sweetness and depth to balance out the savory flavors.
- Garlic (minced): Essential for bringing in classic Italian notes—always add it after the onion to avoid burning!
- Salt: Enhances every bite and ties together all the flavors in the mix.
- Black pepper: Provides a subtle heat that keeps things interesting without overpowering.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives your Sloppy Joes that unmistakable pizzeria aroma.
- Pizza sauce or marinara: The backbone of that classic pizza flavor—choose a sauce you’d love on an actual pizza.
- Pepperoni (diced): Salty and slightly spicy, these little bits hit you with true pepperoni pizza essence in every bite.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to create gooey, stretchy goodness right in the skillet—don’t skimp!
- Hamburger buns (toasted): Crispy on the outside and soft inside, perfect for holding all that saucy filling.
- Extra mozzarella and pepperoni (optional): For those who live by “more is more” when it comes to pizza toppings!
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes
Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until it turns soft and slightly golden at the edges. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds—just long enough to release its aroma without letting it brown.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef straight into the skillet. Break it up with your spatula as it browns and sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let it cook for 6 to 8 minutes until deeply browned and no pink remains, then carefully drain off any excess grease to keep your Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes from becoming soggy.
Step 3: Simmer with Sauce and Pepperoni
Stir in the pizza sauce and diced pepperoni, then turn the heat down to low and let everything simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This short simmer gives time for the flavors to blend and allows the pepperoni oil to infuse the sauce with irresistible pizza flavor.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Remove your skillet from the heat and immediately stir in the shredded mozzarella. It’ll melt quickly from the residual warmth, turning the mixture thick, creamy, and ultra-cheesy—exactly what you want for Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes!
Step 5: Build and Serve
Pile generous scoops of the mixture onto toasted hamburger buns, and if you’re feeling fancy (or feeding a crowd that loves cheese), top with extra mozzarella and a couple pepperoni slices. Serve your Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes while they’re hot, gooey, and guaranteed to disappear fast!
How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle a little more shredded mozzarella or Parmesan right over the top, then add a shower of chopped fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color. If you love the look (and taste!) of melted cheese, run the open sandwiches under the broiler for a minute or two for that classic pizza finish.
Side Dishes
Pair your Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes with simple sides that soak up extra sauce—think oven-baked fries, a classic Caesar salad, or some crunchy veggie sticks. Garlic breadsticks are especially perfect for dinner parties or game nights.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your leftovers into party sliders for a crowd, stuff the filling into toasted sub rolls for a twist on a meatball sub, or try spooning it over roasted spaghetti squash for a lower-carb adventure. The filling is fantastic on its own, so don’t be afraid to use your culinary imagination!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store extra Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the buns separate, so they stay fresh and don’t get soggy. Reheat only what you plan to serve for best results!
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Let the beef and pepperoni mixture cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm the filling gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of extra pizza sauce if needed. Sprinkle in a little more cheese as it heats to refresh that gooey, pizza-style texture. You can also microwave individual servings—just cover loosely to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I make Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes gluten free?
Absolutely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free buns or serve the filling over roasted potatoes, zucchini boats, or even as a topping for gluten-free pizza crust.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat crumbles all work beautifully if you’d like a lighter or vegetarian-friendly take on Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes. Just be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning, since different proteins have different flavor profiles.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Definitely! Prepare the filling in advance, store in the fridge, and reheat right before serving. Build the sandwiches just before eating for the best texture, and keep toppings on the side so everyone can customize.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Very much so—Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes are a hit with all ages! Kids love the cheesy, saucy flavors, and you can dial back the pepperoni or opt for milder pizza sauce to make them extra kid-pleasing.
How spicy are these sloppy joes?
The standard recipe is quite mild, but if you’re craving a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or choose spicy pepperoni. The spice level is totally in your control!
Final Thoughts
If your family cheers for pizza night or has a soft spot for classic comfort food, you simply have to make Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes. With bold flavors and irresistible gooey cheese, it’s a weeknight dinner everyone will ask for again and again. Give it a try—and watch as smiles (and empty plates) appear around your table!
Print
Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on the classic sloppy joe, combining the flavors of pepperoni pizza in a hearty sandwich. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara
- 1/4 cup diced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Additional Ingredients:
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
- Extra mozzarella and pepperoni slices for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook onion and garlic: Add diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Cook ground beef: Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and fully cooked through.
- Add sauce and pepperoni: Stir in pizza sauce and diced pepperoni. Simmer for a few minutes.
- Melt cheese: Remove from heat and stir in shredded mozzarella until melted and creamy.
- Assemble: Spoon the mixture onto toasted buns and top with extra cheese and pepperoni slices if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicy version, add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni.
- You can also substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
