Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes

Instructions:

1. Cook the Ground Beef:

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. If you’re using lean ground turkey, you can follow the same process. Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat, then return the meat to the skillet.

2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant. This adds a great depth of flavor to the base of your sloppy joe mixture.

3. Incorporate the Pepperoni:

Add the chopped pepperoni slices to the skillet and stir them into the beef mixture. Let them cook for a minute or two so they release their flavorful oils and crisp up a bit, adding more pizza-like richness to the dish.

4. Add Sauce and Seasonings:

Pour in the marinara sauce (or pizza sauce) and add the dried oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until the meat and sauce are well combined. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and the flavors meld together. This is where the magic happens, turning it into a flavorful pizza-inspired sloppy joe!

5. Toast the Buns:

While the beef mixture simmers, toast your hamburger buns or sub rolls. You can toast them in a skillet with a bit of butter for a golden, crispy finish, or place them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned. Toasting the buns ensures they won’t get soggy from the sloppy joe mixture.

6. Assemble the Sloppy Joes:

Once your beef mixture is thickened and bubbling, it’s time to build your sandwich. Spoon the hearty pepperoni pizza sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. If you want that extra gooey, pizza-like quality, place the bun with the cheesy mixture under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Garnish and Serve:

For an added burst of freshness and flavor, garnish the tops of your pepperoni pizza sloppy joes with some fresh basil or parsley. Place the top bun on, and voilà! You’ve got yourself a delicious, cheesy, messy sandwich that combines the best of both worlds.

Why You’ll Love Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes:

1. Pizza Flavor, Sloppy Joe Fun: This recipe takes all the comforting elements of a classic pizza and pairs them with the messy, savory goodness of a sloppy joe. The result? A sandwich that’s guaranteed to be a hit with pizza and sloppy joe fans alike.
2. Easy and Quick: It’s an incredibly simple recipe that comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without all the effort.
3. Customizable: Feel free to switch up the ingredients to suit your taste. Use turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner version, or add more pizza toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for extra flavor.
4. Perfect for the Whole Family: Kids will love the cheesy, savory combo, while adults will appreciate the familiar flavors in a fun, new form. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that everyone can enjoy.
5. One Dish Wonder: You’ve got everything in one sandwich—protein, cheese, veggies, and carbs! It’s an all-in-one meal that requires minimal cleanup afterward.

Tips for Perfect Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes:

• Go for Extra Pepperoni: If you’re a pepperoni lover, don’t hold back! Add more slices to the mix for an even stronger pepperoni flavor throughout the dish.
• Use High-Quality Sauce: The sauce is the backbone of this recipe, so choose a good marinara or pizza sauce that’s rich in flavor. You can even try making your own if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Make it Spicy: For those who like a little heat, feel free to up the ante with more crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce. You can also experiment with spicy pepperoni for an extra kick.
• Toast the Buns: Toasting the buns not only adds a satisfying crunch but also helps to prevent them from becoming soggy when the sloppy joe mixture is added. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in texture.

Final Thoughts:

Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes are the ultimate comfort food mashup, perfect for anyone who loves both pizza and sloppy joes. With gooey mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and a flavorful beef mixture, this recipe will satisfy all your cravings for something hearty and delicious. It’s a quick and easy dinner that’s perfect for families, game nights, or any time you’re in the mood for a fun twist on two classic dishes.

So, next time you’re craving something cheesy, messy, and full of flavor, try making these Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes. You won’t regret it!