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These Pizza Sloppy Joes are the perfect mashup of a classic sloppy joes recipe and all your favorite pizza flavors. If you’re looking for easy sloppy joes with a fun twist, this pizza sloppy joes recipe delivers big flavor using simple ingredients in just 30 minutes.
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❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A fun twist on a classic sloppy joes recipe
- One skillet, easy cleanup
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners
- A great way to upgrade ground beef sloppy joes
Key Ingredients
NOTE: This section highlights ingredients used in the recipe. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.
ground beef
The base of this sloppy joes recipe and what makes these ground beef sloppy joes hearty and filling.
pizza sauce
Adds bold pizza flavor and keeps this pizza sloppy joes recipe simple and quick.
pepperoni
Brings that classic pizza taste to these pizza sloppy joe sandwiches.
mozzarella cheese
Melts perfectly over the hot filling for that signature cheesy finish.
vegetables
Onion, green pepper, and mushrooms add flavor and texture to these easy sloppy joes.
Ingredients & Substitutions
NOTE: This section suggests substitutions. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.
- lean ground beef – substitute with ground turkey, ground chicken, or Italian sausage for a different flavor
- onion – substitute with yellow onion, white onion, or a few tablespoons of minced dried onion if needed
- green pepper – substitute with red bell pepper, orange bell pepper, or leave it out if preferred
- fresh mushrooms – substitute with canned mushrooms, drained well, or omit if you do not like mushrooms
- sliced pepperoni – substitute with turkey pepperoni, mini pepperoni, or chopped cooked sausage for a different pizza-style flavor
- pizza sauce – substitute with marinara sauce or spaghetti sauce, but the flavor may be slightly different
- dried oregano – substitute with Italian seasoning or dried basil if needed
- hamburger buns – substitute with slider buns, hoagie rolls, or toasted sandwich rolls
- shredded mozzarella cheese – substitute with provolone, Italian blend cheese, or Monterey Jack for a different cheesy topping
Variations
- Swap ground beef for Italian sausage for a richer flavor
- Add black olives for extra pizza flavor
- Use provolone or a pizza blend cheese
- Turn into sliders for party-style pizza sloppy joe sandwiches
Tips for Best Results
- Chop vegetables finely for better texture
- Simmer long enough to thicken the mixture
- Toast buns to prevent sogginess
- Add cheese just before serving for the best melt
FAQs
Yes. This pizza sloppy joes recipe is great for prepping ahead. Store the filling and reheat before serving.
Yes. Ground beef sloppy joes freeze well without buns for up to 2 months.
Serve with sides like veggies, salads, or comfort-style dishes for a balanced meal.
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How to Store Pizza Sloppy Joes
Store leftover pizza sloppy joes filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. These ground beef sloppy joes reheat well, making them perfect for meal prep. Keep buns separate to avoid sogginess.
How to Make Pizza Sloppy Joes
NOTE: This section includes a step-by-step guide. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.
These Pizza Sloppy Joes come together quickly in one pan, making them ideal for a busy night.
Quick steps:
- Cook ground beef with onion, green pepper, and mushrooms until browned
- Drain excess grease if needed
- Stir in pepperoni, pizza sauce, and oregano
- Simmer until thickened and heated through
- Spoon onto buns and top with cheese
What to Serve with Pizza Sloppy Joes
These pizza sloppy joe sandwiches pair perfectly with simple sides that balance the rich, saucy filling.
For a savory side, Southern Bacon-Fried Cabbage is a great option that adds smoky flavor and contrast.
If you want something quick and easy, Air Fryer Tater Tots work well for a comfort-food-style meal.
For something lighter, a simple salad or veggie-based side dish helps balance these easy sloppy joes.
And if you’re planning the full meal experience, finish things off with a dessert like Death By Chocolate Poke Cake or Italian Ricotta Cookies.
📌 Save This Recipe
Save these Pizza Sloppy Joes to your “easy dinner recipes,” “ground beef recipes,” or “quick weeknight meals” boards so you can come back to this pizza sloppy joe sandwiches recipe anytime.
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Pizza Sloppy Joes
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Equipment
- large skillet
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- ½ medium green pepper, finely chopped
- ½ cup fresh mushrooms, chopped
- 1 ounce sliced pepperoni, chopped
- 1 can or jar pizza sauce, 15 oz.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 8 hamburger buns, split and toasted if desired
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground beef with the onion, green pepper, and mushrooms until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain if needed.1½ pounds lean ground beef, ½ medium onion, ½ medium green pepper, ½ cup fresh mushrooms
- Stir in the pepperoni, pizza sauce, and oregano.1 ounce sliced pepperoni, 1 can or jar pizza sauce, 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture is heated through and slightly thickened.
- Divide the mixture between the buns and top each sandwich with about 2 tablespoons of mozzarella cheese.8 hamburger buns, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Serve immediately.
Notes
🥡 STORAGE
- Store filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days
- Keep buns separate to prevent sogginess
♨️ REHEATING
- Microwave – heat in 30-60 second intervals, stirring between each
- Stovetop – warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through
- Oven – place in a covered dish at 350° until warmed through
❄️ FREEZING
- Freeze filling only for up to 2 months
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS
- Chop vegetables finely for even texture
- Simmer until slightly thickened for the best consistency
- Toast buns to prevent soggy sandwiches
🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS
- Slow cooker – brown meat first, then cook on low for 2-3 hours
- Oven – keep warm in a covered baking dish at 300°
♻️ LEFTOVERS
- Use filling for baked potatoes
- Spoon over pasta for a pizza-style meal
📝 NOTES
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease
- Adjust pepperoni to taste
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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