Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, and green bell pepper. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Add the quartered pepperoni to the sloppy joe mixture and stir to combine. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the pepperoni to warm through and release its flavor.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese until it’s melted and incorporated into the sloppy joe mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Spoon generous amounts of the pepperoni pizza sloppy joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns. Top each sloppy joe with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy the deliciously messy goodness!
Short Tips
* For an extra cheesy experience, place the assembled sloppy joes under the broiler for a minute or two until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
* Get creative with your toppings! Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, a few black olives, or even some thinly sliced mushrooms for more pizza-inspired flavor.
* If you’re making this for a crowd, keep the sloppy joe mixture warm in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting. Set out toasted buns and a bowl of shredded mozzarella for guests to assemble their own.
* To prevent soggy buns, toast them thoroughly before assembling. You can even lightly butter them before toasting for extra richness.
