Have you ever struggled to choose between pizza night and sloppy joes? Why settle for one when you can have both? These Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes are a delicious mashup of two beloved comfort foods, combining the cheesy, savory flavors of pizza with the saucy, hearty goodness of a classic sloppy joe.

With seasoned ground beef, rich tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and slices of pepperoni, this recipe turns an ordinary weeknight dinner into something special. It’s messy, indulgent, and full of bold flavors that both kids and adults will love. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, feeding a hungry family, or meal-prepping for the week, these sloppy joes are a guaranteed hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe isn’t just about flavor — it’s about convenience, customization, and family fun. Here’s why Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes deserve a regular spot on your menu:

Two Comfort Foods in One
Why choose between pizza and sloppy joes when you can enjoy the best of both? Every bite delivers tomatoey, cheesy, and meaty goodness.
Perfect for Weeknights or Gatherings
Quick to make and easy to serve, this recipe is ideal for busy nights, casual dinner parties, or even game-day snacks.
Customizable
Love veggies? Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives. Prefer a spicier version? Throw in jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Kid-Approved
Cheesy, flavorful, and messy — kids love the hands-on, interactive nature of this meal. Adults will appreciate the comfort and nostalgia of pizza flavors in a sloppy joe sandwich.
Quick and Easy
From prep to table in under 30 minutes, making these sloppy joes won’t take hours, and cleanup is minimal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that are easy to find and budget-friendly:

Ground Beef – The hearty base that makes this sandwich satisfying. For a leaner option, use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground beef.
Onion & Garlic – Aromatics that add depth and savory flavor to the sauce.
Tomato Sauce & Tomato Paste – Rich, saucy, and full of pizza flavor. The paste helps thicken the mixture for a perfect sloppy joe consistency.
Oregano & Basil – Classic Italian herbs to give the dish a true pizza vibe.
Mozzarella Cheese – Gooey and melty, it’s essential for that cheesy pizza finish.
Pepperoni – Adds the iconic pizza flavor we all love.
Green Bell Pepper (Optional) – Adds freshness, color, and crunch.
Hamburger Buns – Soft yet sturdy enough to hold the saucy filling.

Optional Add-ins:

Mushrooms
Olives
Jalapeños for spice
Red onion or scallions
Parmesan or provolone cheese for extra flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make these Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes from start to finish:

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula so it cooks evenly. Once browned, drain excess grease to prevent the sandwiches from being too oily.

Step 2: Build Flavor

Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant. This step adds depth and sweetness to the meat mixture.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Add a splash of water if needed to achieve your desired consistency. Let the mixture simmer for 15–20 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Sloppy Joes

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon the beef and sauce mixture onto the bottom halves of your hamburger buns. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese and top with pepperoni slices. If using, add diced green bell peppers or any additional toppings.

Step 5: Bake to Melt the Cheese

Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. For a crispier top, broil for an extra 1–2 minutes — just keep an eye on them so the cheese doesn’t burn.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Remove from the oven and place the bun tops on the sandwiches. Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness.

Chef Tips & Variations

Want to make these sloppy joes even more exciting? Try these variations:

Cheese Lovers’ Version
Add extra mozzarella or swap in provolone or pepper jack for more flavor. You can also sprinkle a little parmesan on top before baking.
Veggie Version
Replace the beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian-friendly option. You can still enjoy the cheesy, pizza-inspired flavor.
Extra Pizza Toppings
Add olives, mushrooms, onions, or jalapeños before baking to enhance the pizza flavor. You can even sprinkle a little red pepper flakes for a kick.
Make-Ahead Option
Cook the beef mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble and bake just before serving to save time.
Slider Version for Parties
Use smaller buns to make mini pizza sloppy joe sliders. Perfect for game-day snacks, potlucks, or kids’ parties.

Serving Suggestions

To complete your meal, consider pairing these Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes with:

Crispy oven-baked fries or sweet potato fries
A fresh side salad for balance and brightness
Garlic breadsticks for a fully pizza-inspired experience
Coleslaw or roasted vegetables for a nutritious, colorful plate
Pickles or roasted corn for added texture and flavor

Fun Questions for Readers

Engage your audience and inspire interaction:

What’s your favorite pizza topping to add to a sloppy joe?
Would you try a spicy version with jalapeños or hot sauce?
How would you turn this into a party appetizer or slider version?
Which other classic comfort foods would you love to mash up next?

Why This Recipe Works

These Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes aren’t just fun — they work perfectly as a meal because of:

Quick and Easy
From prep to table in under 30 minutes, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners.
Flavor-Packed
Tomato sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella deliver classic pizza taste in a handheld sandwich.
Comforting and Messy
Just like traditional sloppy joes, they’re indulgent, saucy, and perfect for casual meals.
Customizable and Kid-Friendly
Easily adapt toppings, protein, or spice levels to suit the preferences of everyone at the table.
Balanced Flavors and Textures
The soft buns, savory beef, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey cheese create the ultimate combination in every bite.

Tips for Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers or want to prep ahead:

To Store:

Refrigerate leftover sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

To Reheat:

Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat for 1–2 minutes, then let sit for a minute before eating.

To Freeze:

Assemble the sandwiches without baking, wrap individually in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 20–25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.

Final Thoughts

Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes are the ultimate mashup for anyone who loves comfort food. They combine the best of two classic dishes — pizza and sloppy joes — into a fun, family-friendly meal.

Cheesy, saucy, and customizable, these sandwiches are perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or even a fun weekend brunch. Kids love building their own, adults appreciate the nostalgic flavors, and everyone enjoys a messy, indulgent meal that’s guaranteed to satisfy.

So next time you’re torn between pizza and sloppy joes, why not make both in one incredible sandwich? These Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories Estimated

Approximately 450 per serving

kcal

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 3/4 cups (400 ml) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
6 hamburger buns
6 slices mozzarella cheese
6 slices pepperoni
1/4 cup green bell pepper, diced (optional)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
While the meat sauce is simmering, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place hamburger buns on a baking sheet. Spoon the meat mixture evenly onto the bottom buns.
Top each with a slice of mozzarella cheese, a slice of pepperoni, and diced green pepper (optional).
Bake in the preheated oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Top with the top half of the bun and serve immediately.

Notes

For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
If you don’t have hamburger buns, you can use slider buns or even toasted bread.