Description
Pizza Sloppy Joes Recipe
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1 cup pizza sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ cup diced pepperoni (plus extra for topping)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 hamburger buns
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Stir in pizza sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and diced pepperoni. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
3. Preheat your oven to broil. Spread the butter on the inside of the buns and toast them under the broiler until golden.
4. Spoon the meat mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and extra pepperoni slices.
5. Place the topped buns on a baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley, place the top buns, and serve warm. Enjoy your Pizza Sloppy Joes!
#PizzaSloppyJoes #QuickDinner
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect Pizza Sloppy Joes every time. First, thoroughly brown one pound of ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Once no pink remains, carefully drain all excess fat into a heat-safe container. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add one cup of pizza sauce, one teaspoon each of garlic powder and Italian seasoning, and a half-cup of diced pepperoni. Stir well and let the mixture simmer gently for a full 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. While it simmers, preheat your oven’s broiler on high. Brush the insides of four hamburger buns with two tablespoons of melted butter and place them on a baking sheet, buttered-side up. Broil for 60-90 seconds, watching closely until golden brown. Remove the toasted buns. Spoon the hot meat mixture generously onto the bottom buns, top with one cup of shredded mozzarella and additional pepperoni slices. Return to the broiler for just 1-2 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
These hearty sandwiches are a meal on their own, but perfect pairings can turn them into a feast. Serve them with a side of crispy oven-baked potato wedges or a simple, tangy coleslaw to cut through the richness. For a lighter option, a classic garden salad with Italian dressing works wonderfully. To complete the pizza experience, offer small bowls of extra pizza sauce for dipping and crushed red pepper flakes for those who like a spicy kick.
How-to Summary
In short: Brown and drain ground beef, mix with pizza sauce, seasonings, and diced pepperoni, then simmer. Butter and broil hamburger buns until toasted. Load the bottom buns with the meat, top with cheese and more pepperoni, and broil again until the cheese melts. Garnish and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage are excellent substitutes for ground beef and will alter the flavor profile deliciously.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can prepare the meat mixture up to two days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before assembling and broiling the sandwiches.
My buns keep burning under the broiler. What am I doing wrong? Your oven rack is likely too close to the broiler element. For toasting, position the rack in the middle of the oven and watch them carefully, as broilers vary in intensity.
Is there a way to make this less messy to eat? For a neater experience, use a slotted spoon to drain a bit of the sauce from the meat mixture when loading the buns, or consider serving it in a bowl alongside the toasted bun for a DIY approach.
Can I add other pizza toppings? Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, diced green peppers, black olives, or onions can be added to the meat mixture. For toppings like fresh basil or arugula, add them after broiling as a fresh garnish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls for the best results: First, do not skip draining the fat from the cooked beef, as it will make the final dish greasy. Second, do not rush the simmering step; this is crucial for flavor development and thickening the sauce. Third, never walk away from the broiler—cheese and buns can go from perfect to burnt in seconds. Finally, avoid overloading the buns with too much meat sauce, which makes them impossible to eat without a fork.
Conclusion
Pizza Sloppy Joes are the ultimate fusion comfort food, combining the beloved flavors of pizza with the easy, satisfying format of a sloppy joe. This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing for numerous customizations with different meats, cheeses, and toppings to suit any taste. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or whenever you need a quick and delicious dinner solution that everyone will love.