Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes







Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Incorporate Pepperoni: Stir in the chopped pepperoni and cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  4. Add Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Prepare the Buns: While the mixture simmers, toast the hamburger buns until lightly browned and crisp.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *