Get ready to meet your new favorite weeknight dinner—Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes! This mouthwatering mashup of saucy sloppy joes and cheesy pepperoni pizza brings comfort food to a whole new level. It’s everything you love about pizza—melty cheese, savory pepperoni, and bold tomato flavor—combined with the irresistible, meaty goodness of a classic sloppy joe.
Perfect for picky eaters and busy weeknights alike, this fun twist is trending on family dinner tables for good reason. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a nostalgic bite, Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes deliver big flavor with minimal fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Done in under 30 minutes using simple pantry staples.
- Kid-Friendly: Pizza and sloppy joes? It’s a combo kids will beg for!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for parties, game nights, or casual family dinners.
- Customizable: Add your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms or olives.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and freeze for busy weeknights.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes
Here are the core ingredients that make this fusion dish so irresistible:
- Ground Beef – The hearty base that gives classic sloppy joe texture and richness.
- Chopped Onion – Adds a mellow sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Green Bell Pepper – Brings crunch and freshness, just like on a supreme pizza.
- Pizza Sauce – Delivers bold, herby, tomato flavor that mimics pizza night.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Melts perfectly on top for that gooey, cheesy bite.
- Pepperoni Slices – Signature pizza topping that adds spice and smoky flavor.
- Soft Hoagie Buns or Rolls – Holds all the deliciousness together.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Veggies: Stir in chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 4–5 minutes.
- Mix in Sauce: Pour in your favorite pizza sauce and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Assemble: Spoon the beef mixture generously over each open-faced bun.
- Top with Cheese & Pepperoni: Add a layer of shredded mozzarella and a few pepperoni slices to each sandwich.
- Melt & Serve: Place under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Serve warm!
🔥 Expert Tip: Use parchment on your baking sheet for easy cleanup, and toast the buns slightly before adding toppings to prevent sogginess.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the mixture over zucchini boats or in lettuce wraps.
- Cheese Swap: Try provolone or cheddar for a fun cheese twist.
- Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based ground beef and skip the pepperoni—or sub in veggie pepperoni slices.
How to Store & Reheat
Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes or reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. For best results, toast buns fresh when serving again.
Freezing: Freeze the meat mixture separately in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of bold, creative pizza-inspired dishes like these Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes, you’ll definitely want to check out these mouthwatering favorites from our collection:
- Birria Pizza Recipe – A rich, cheesy fusion of Mexican birria and pizza that’s dripping with flavor.
- Indian Pizza Recipe – Packed with exotic spices and vibrant toppings for a unique twist on pizza night.
- Pizza Pie Recipe – A hearty, deep-dish pizza-meets-pie combo that’s perfect for cozy dinners.
Give them a try next time you’re in the mood for something irresistibly savory and fun!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the meat mixture in advance and refrigerate or freeze it. Just assemble and broil when ready to eat.
What kind of buns work best?
Soft hoagie rolls or hamburger buns are perfect. You can also use slider buns for a party version!
Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, lean ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes and will still give you delicious flavor.
Is this recipe kid-approved?
Very much so! It’s a favorite with both kids and adults thanks to the pizza-style flavors.
These Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes are proof that two comfort food classics are better than one. They’re saucy, cheesy, satisfying, and oh-so-easy to make. Whether it’s for a quick dinner, a casual party, or a fun family meal, this recipe is bound to become a go-to in your rotation.
Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 1 ½ cups pizza sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 hoagie or sandwich rolls
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 18 pepperoni slices
- Optional: red pepper flakes garlic powder
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and green bell pepper; sauté 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in pizza sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices to taste.
- Spoon mixture evenly onto open-faced buns.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and top with pepperoni slices.
- Broil for 1–2 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve immediately while hot and gooey.