Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes – A Fun Mashup of Two Classics

When you can’t decide between pizza night and sloppy joes, why not have both? These Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes combine everything you love about pizza—savory tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and pepperoni—with the saucy, hearty mess of a sloppy joe.

The result? A fun, family-friendly dinner that’s easy to make and guaranteed to please both kids and adults. It’s messy, cheesy, and full of bold pizza flavors—everything you want in a comfort food mashup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines two favorite comfort foods in one sandwich
Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings
Customizable with extra pizza toppings (bell peppers, mushrooms, olives)
Quick, easy, and kid-approved

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Ground beef – the hearty base of the sloppy joe filling.
  • Onion & garlic – build savory depth.
  • Tomato sauce & tomato paste – rich, saucy flavor with pizza vibes.
  • Oregano & basil – classic Italian herbs.
  • Mozzarella cheese – melty, gooey topping.
  • Pepperoni – that signature pizza flavor.
  • Green bell pepper (optional) – for freshness and crunch.
  • Hamburger buns – soft and sturdy enough to hold all that saucy goodness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Cook the beef – Brown ground beef in olive oil, drain excess grease.
  2. Build flavor – Add onion and garlic, cook until softened.
  3. Make the sauce – Stir in tomato sauce, paste, herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer 20 minutes.
  4. Assemble sandwiches – Spoon the meat mixture onto buns, top with mozzarella, pepperoni, and optional peppers.
  5. Bake – Heat in the oven until cheese melts and bubbles.
  6. Serve hot – Top with the bun lid and enjoy immediately.

Chef Tips & Variations

  • Cheese lovers: Add extra mozzarella or swap in provolone.
  • Veggie version: Replace beef with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based ground.
  • Pizza toppings: Add olives, mushrooms, or jalapeños for more flavor.
  • Make ahead: The meat filling can be cooked in advance and reheated.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes with:

  • Crispy oven-baked fries
  • A simple side salad for freshness
  • Garlic breadsticks for a full pizza-inspired meal
  • Coleslaw or roasted veggies for a balanced plate

Fun Questions for Readers

  • 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?

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, including prep.

Flavor-packed: Tomato sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella deliver classic pizza taste.

Comforting & messy: Perfect for casual family dinners.

Customizable & kid-friendly: Adapt toppings, protein, or spice level to suit everyone.

Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes

Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes

Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

45

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.