Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup pepperoni, chopped
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hamburger buns
- Optional: additional toppings such as sliced olives, bell peppers, or mushrooms
Directions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
- Add Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate Pepperoni: Stir in the chopped pepperoni and cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Season: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the mixture, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture, stirring gently until melted and well combined.
- Prepare the Buns: While the mixture simmers, toast the hamburger buns until lightly browned and crisp.
- Assemble: Spoon a generous amount of the meat mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Add optional toppings such as olives or bell peppers if desired.
- Serve: Place the top half of the bun over the filling, press down slightly, and serve hot.
Variations & Tips
- For a spicier flavor, add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
- Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
- For a vegetarian option, replace some or all of the ground beef with chopped mushrooms.
- To make the dish gluten-free, serve the mixture over roasted spaghetti squash or use gluten-free hamburger buns.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Prepare the mixture in advance and reheat when ready to serve, adding fresh cheese just before serving.