1. Cook the Meat Base
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
- Drain excess fat if needed. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
2. Build the Pizza Flavor
- Stir in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Add chopped pepperoni and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
3. Make It Cheesy
- Stir in half the mozzarella until melted and gooey.
- Keep the other half for topping.
4. Toast the Buns
- Spread butter on buns and toast in a skillet until golden.
- This keeps the bread from getting soggy.
5. Assemble the Sloppy Joes
- Spoon the saucy meat mixture onto each bun.
- Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and let it melt.
- Garnish with basil or parsley.
Tips for Success
- For extra pizza vibes, top with black olives, mushrooms, or green peppers.
- Use garlic bread buns for an even more indulgent twist.
- If you love extra cheesy sandwiches, melt the mozzarella under the broiler for 2 minutes before serving.
- Make it kid-friendly by serving open-faced with extra cheese on top.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with crispy French fries or a simple side salad.
- Serve with breadsticks and marinara dipping sauce for the full pizza experience.
- Try with sweet potato fries for a balanced twist.
Final Thoughts
Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes are saucy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor — the perfect comfort food for busy nights. They bring together everything you love about a pizza and everything you crave in a sloppy joe, all in one messy, satisfying bite. Once you try them, they’re guaranteed to become a regular on your dinner menu.