Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks.
Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes
Mix in Pepperoni: Stir the chopped pepperoni into the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
Add Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Season: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the mixture and stir. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the mixture. Let it melt into the meat, stirring gently to combine.
Prepare the Buns: While the mixture is simmering, toast the hamburger buns until they’re lightly browned and crisp.
Assemble: Spoon a generous amount of the meat mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. If desired, add additional toppings like olives or bell peppers.
Serve: Place the top half of the bun over the filling, press down slightly, and serve hot.
Variations & Tips
– For a spicier kick, incorporate a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes into the meat mixture.
– If you prefer a lighter version, ground turkey can be a good substitute for the ground beef.
– Trying to cut down on red meat? Consider using chopped mushrooms in place of some or all of the beef for a vegetarian alternative that still offers a meaty texture.
– To make this dish gluten-free, simply serve the Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joe mixture over a bed of roasted spaghetti squash or inside a gluten-free hamburger bun.
– This recipe is great for meal prep too. Prepare the mixture ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve, adding the fresh cheese before serving.
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