These pepperoni pizza sloppy joes mix the saucy beef of a classic sandwich with the flavors of a favorite pizza night.
Mini pepperoni, pizza sauce, and melted mozzarella top soft buns in about 35 minutes, so this dinner suits busy families and game day crowds alike. It is also a smart way to use leftover buns and pepperoni from a pizza night.
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Why This Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes Recipe Works
Pizza sauce and Italian seasoning give the beef a familiar herby flavor, and the peppers and onion add sweetness and body. A little simmering time lets the sauce thicken so it stays on the bun.
Mini pepperoni spreads salty, smoky flavor through the whole filling, so every bite tastes like a slice of pizza. Chopping the slices smaller spreads the flavor even further.
Melting the cheese on the buns in the oven makes a gooey top and keeps the bottom bun from getting soggy.
Ingredients for Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Ground beef. Use 80 percent lean beef for flavor, and drain extra fat after browning.
Pizza sauce. A thick pizza sauce clings to the meat better than thin pasta sauce.
Mini pepperoni. The small slices spread evenly through the filling without sliding off the bun.
Green bell pepper. Dice it small so it softens in the same time as the onion. Large pieces stay crunchy and slide out of the sandwich.
Mozzarella. Shred it fresh from a block for the smoothest melt.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes
1. Brown the beef Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it up, until no pink remains. Drain the fat.
2. Soften the vegetables Add the onion and pepper and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until tender. Stir often so nothing scorches on the bottom of the pan.
3. Simmer the filling Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and pepperoni, then simmer for 3 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon before you move on. Stir once or twice so nothing sticks.
4. Heat the oven Heat the oven to 375 degrees F and place the bottom buns on a parchment lined baking sheet.
5. Build the sandwiches Spoon the filling onto the buns and sprinkle the mozzarella over each one.
6. Melt the cheese Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly, then add the top buns and serve.
How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes
Serve the sandwiches hot with a crisp side to balance the rich filling. Cold, crunchy sides cut through the cheese and beef. Pile on crispy homemade fries or scoop out some homemade baked beans for a classic combination. A bowl of creamy buttermilk coleslaw adds cool crunch, and macaroni salad with sour cream fills out a game day spread.
How to Store and Reheat Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes
Cool leftover filling within 2 hours and refrigerate it separately from the buns for up to 3 days. Freeze the filling without buns for up to 2 months and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat the filling until it reaches 165 degrees F, then spoon it onto fresh buns and add cheese for a quick bake.
Tips and Variations for Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes
Cook the beef fully. Ground beef must reach 160 degrees F, so cook it until no pink remains.
Drain the fat. Spoon off extra grease so the filling stays saucy instead of oily.
Toast the buns. Brush the cut sides with a little butter and toast them for a minute so they hold up to the filling. A toasted surface also keeps the bread from soaking through.
Reheat safely. Bring leftovers to 165 degrees F in the center before serving.
Add extra veggies. Stir in sliced mushrooms or black olives with the peppers for more flavor.
Flag the allergens. This dish contains wheat and milk, and buns may include sesame or soy, so check labels.
Add heat. A pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce gives a spicy kick. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning before you build the sandwiches.
Check trusted guidance. For general advice on storing leftovers safely, read the Purdue Extension guide to storing leftovers before cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes
Can I make pepperoni pizza sloppy joes ahead of time?
Yes. Make the filling up to 2 days early, refrigerate it, and reheat it before topping the buns.
Can I freeze pepperoni pizza sloppy joes?
Yes. Freeze the filling without buns for up to 2 months, then thaw and reheat it.
What toppings go on pepperoni pizza sloppy joes?
Try sliced black olives, banana peppers, or a sprinkle of Parmesan after baking.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Cook it to 165 degrees F and add a spoonful of olive oil to keep it moist. Poultry is lean, so the extra fat matters.
Do I need to bake the sandwiches?
No. You can simply spoon the filling onto buns, but baking melts the cheese into a gooey top. It also warms the bun so it feels freshly made.
Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup mini pepperoni slices
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Cooking
- Brown the meat. Cook the beef in a skillet over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes until no pink remains, then drain.
- Add the vegetables. Cook the onion and pepper for 4 to 5 minutes until soft.
- Simmer. Add the sauce, seasoning, and pepperoni and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Assemble. Heat the oven to 375 degrees F. Set the bottom buns on a lined sheet, add the filling, and top with mozzarella.
- Bake and serve. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese bubbles, then add the top buns.
