If you’re looking for a quick, mouthwatering dinner that combines the best of two worlds, Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes are your answer. This recipe takes the messy, comforting nature of classic sloppy joes and infuses them with the bold, savory flavors of pepperoni pizza. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, these sandwiches are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients
To create this irresistible dish, you’ll need:
- For the Sloppy Joes:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup diced pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- For Serving:
- Additional shredded mozzarella cheese
- Additional pizza sauce
- Sliced pepperoni
Directions
Cook the Beef: Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy texture.
Add Flavors: Stir in the pizza sauce, diced pepperoni, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a rich, pizza-like filling.
Combine with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat mixture. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the filling is creamy and gooey.
Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Spoon the cheesy, pepperoni-infused beef mixture onto the bottom halves of the hamburger buns. Top each with additional mozzarella cheese, a spoonful of pizza sauce, and a few slices of pepperoni. Finish by placing the top bun on and serve warm.

Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Tips:
- Accompaniments: Pair these sloppy joes with a side of crispy French fries, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Toppings: Customize the sandwiches with toppings like sliced black olives, diced onions, or jalapeños for added flavor and texture.
- Kid-Friendly Option: Serve the filling over mini slider buns for a fun, kid-sized version.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it until heated through.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooled filling in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Assembly Tips: To keep the buns from getting soggy, store the filling separately and assemble the sandwiches just before serving.
These tips will help you make the most of your Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes, whether you’re serving them fresh or enjoying leftovers later!
Variations
Take your Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes to the next level with these exciting variations. Each one offers a unique twist to suit different tastes and preferences!
1. Meat Lovers’ Sloppy Joes
Add a combination of diced sausage, cooked bacon, and ground beef for a hearty, meat-packed filling.
2. Veggie Pizza Sloppy Joes
Replace the pepperoni with diced bell peppers, mushrooms, black olives, or spinach. This option is perfect for vegetarians when made with plant-based ground meat.
3. Spicy Sloppy Joes
Kick up the heat by adding crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce to the filling.
4. Cheesy Overload Sloppy Joes
Double the cheese by mixing shredded cheddar or Parmesan with mozzarella for a richer, creamier filling.
5. Margherita-Inspired Sloppy Joes
Use fresh basil, diced tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella in place of the shredded cheese and pepperoni for a fresh and classic Italian flavor.
6. Low-Carb Option
Swap the hamburger buns for large lettuce leaves or serve the filling over roasted zucchini slices for a keto-friendly meal.
7. Hawaiian Pizza Sloppy Joes
Add diced pineapple to the filling for a sweet and savory combination, reminiscent of Hawaiian pizza.
8. BBQ Pizza Sloppy Joes
Replace half of the pizza sauce with BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy twist.
9. Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free buns or serve the filling over rice, mashed potatoes, or gluten-free pasta for a hearty alternative.
10. Mini Party Sliders
Turn this recipe into bite-sized sliders using dinner rolls or mini buns. They’re perfect for parties or game-day gatherings.
Each variation offers a fresh take on the classic Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes, ensuring there’s a version for everyone to enjoy!
FAQs
1. Can I make Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the filling in a skillet or microwave, then assemble the sandwiches just before serving.
2. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes and create a lighter version of the dish without compromising flavor.
3. What other cheeses can I use besides mozzarella?
You can use cheddar, provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a different cheesy twist.
4. How can I prevent the buns from getting soggy?
Toast the buns lightly before assembling the sandwiches. You can also serve the filling on the side and let each person assemble their sloppy joe when ready to eat.
5. Can I freeze the leftover filling?
Yes! Allow the filling to cool completely, then store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
6. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Certainly! Use plant-based ground meat or lentils as a substitute for ground beef. Add diced vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini to enhance the flavor.
7. What can I serve with Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes?
Pair them with French fries, tater tots, coleslaw, a side salad, or even a bowl of soup for a satisfying meal.
8. Can I use pizza dough instead of hamburger buns?
Yes! Wrap the filling in pizza dough, seal it, and bake it to create handheld pizza pockets for a fun variation.
9. How do I make this dish spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick.
10. Can I customize the toppings?
Definitely! Add your favorite pizza toppings like sliced black olives, green bell peppers, or fresh basil to make the dish your own.
These FAQs cover everything you need to know to customize, prepare, and enjoy your Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes!
Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes are the ultimate dinner mash-up, bringing together the hearty satisfaction of sloppy joes and the irresistible taste of pepperoni pizza. With just 25 minutes of prep and cook time, you can enjoy a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining guests, these sandwiches deliver big on flavor and fun. Try them tonight and savor the best of both worlds!
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Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes
Description
If you’re looking for a quick, mouthwatering dinner that combines the best of two worlds, Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes are your answer. This recipe takes the messy, comforting nature of classic sloppy joes and infuses them with the bold, savory flavors of pepperoni pizza. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, these sandwiches are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
To create this irresistible dish, you’ll need:
- For the Sloppy Joes:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup diced pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- For Serving:
- Additional shredded mozzarella cheese
- Additional pizza sauce
- Sliced pepperoni
Instructions
Cook the Beef: Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy texture.
Add Flavors: Stir in the pizza sauce, diced pepperoni, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a rich, pizza-like filling.
Combine with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat mixture. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the filling is creamy and gooey.
Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Spoon the cheesy, pepperoni-infused beef mixture onto the bottom halves of the hamburger buns. Top each with additional mozzarella cheese, a spoonful of pizza sauce, and a few slices of pepperoni. Finish by placing the top bun on and serve warm.
Notes
Serving Tips:
- Accompaniments: Pair these sloppy joes with a side of crispy French fries, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Toppings: Customize the sandwiches with toppings like sliced black olives, diced onions, or jalapeños for added flavor and texture.
- Kid-Friendly Option: Serve the filling over mini slider buns for a fun, kid-sized version.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it until heated through.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooled filling in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Assembly Tips: To keep the buns from getting soggy, store the filling separately and assemble the sandwiches just before serving.
These tips will help you make the most of