Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes 🍕🍔

Two Comfort Food Icons Collide — In One Cheesy, Saucy Sandwich

Sometimes the best meals come from mixing two classics into one. Enter the Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joe — a flavor-packed mash-up of your favorite childhood sandwich and your go-to Friday night pizza. It’s cheesy, meaty, saucy, and just messy enough to be perfect. If you’re bored of plain burgers or traditional sloppy joes, this pepperoni-pizza twist is about to shake up your weeknight dinner game.

Whether you’re feeding picky kids, hungry teens, or nostalgic grown-ups, these sandwiches check every box: fast, easy, crave-worthy, and totally satisfying.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🔥 Two favorites in one: Sloppy Joes + Pepperoni Pizza = magic.
• 🧀 Ultra cheesy: Gooey mozzarella melts into the meat just like pizza.
• 🧄 Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• 🍞 Family favorite: Kid-approved, game-day-ready, and meal-prep friendly.
• 💰 Budget-friendly: All pantry and fridge staples!

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Real, Tested Ingredients

This recipe is based on a trusted combination of ingredients used in real kitchens — no gimmicks, just flavor. Here’s what you need:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (optional for veggie lovers)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup mini pepperoni or chopped regular pepperoni
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4–6 hamburger buns, toasted

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Add Veggies & Seasonings

Add onions, garlic, and bell peppers (if using). Cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant.

Sprinkle in:

• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Stir everything together and let the flavors bloom.

3. Sauce it Up

Pour in the pizza sauce or marinara. Stir to coat the beef mixture and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to thicken slightly.

4. Add Pepperoni

Stir in the pepperoni. Let it warm through and infuse the sauce with that iconic pizza flavor.

5. Add Cheese

Turn off the heat and sprinkle in the mozzarella cheese. Stir gently until melted and gooey.

Alternatively: Add the cheese after building the sandwiches and broil for a bubbly finish!

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Assembly

1. Toast the Buns
   Lightly butter and toast hamburger buns for 2–3 minutes until golden. This step adds structure and flavor.
2. Scoop & Serve
   Spoon a generous amount of the cheesy meat mixture onto each bun bottom. Top with the other half and serve hot!

Expect some glorious, saucy overflow — it’s part of the charm.

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Customization Ideas

This recipe is super flexible — try adding:

• 🍄 Sautéed mushrooms for an umami punch
• 🌶️ Sliced jalapeños for extra spice
• 🍍 Pineapple chunks for a Hawaiian twist
• 🧅 Caramelized onions for sweetness
• 🧄 Garlic butter buns for restaurant-style finish

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What to Serve With Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes

• Tater tots or crispy oven fries
• Caesar or garden salad
• Mozzarella sticks or garlic knots
• Coleslaw for a cool, crunchy contrast
• Dill pickles or pepperoncini on the side

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Make Ahead & Storage

• Meal prep friendly: Make the filling 1–2 days ahead and reheat when ready.
• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Cool completely and freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water or sauce to loosen.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey or chicken?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works great — just be sure to season well for bold flavor.

What if I don’t have pizza sauce?

Use marinara or spaghetti sauce with a sprinkle of Italian herbs and a pinch of sugar.

Can I make this low-carb?

Absolutely. Serve over roasted zucchini boats, inside lettuce wraps, or on keto buns.

Can I make it spicy?

Yes — stir in red pepper flakes or hot sauce, or top with pepper jack cheese.

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Final Thoughts

These Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes are the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table happy. They’re fun, nostalgic, a little messy (in the best way), and overflowing with flavor. Best of all, they come together in a flash using ingredients you probably already have on hand.

If you love comfort food with a twist — this recipe delivers every time. Try it once, and we guarantee it’ll be on your weekly rotation in no time.

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