Slow Cooker Pizza Sloppy Joes

If you’re a fan of both pizza and sloppy joes, then this Slow Cooker Pizza Sloppy Joes recipe is a must-try! It’s the perfect fusion of two classic comfort foods—combining the cheesy, savory flavors of pizza with the hearty, saucy goodness of sloppy joes. Ideal for family dinners, game-day gatherings, or a quick, flavorful weeknight meal, this dish is bound to please any crowd.

With the help of a slow cooker, this recipe is incredibly simple. Just brown the ground beef, mix it with pizza sauce and pepperoni, and let it cook to perfection. Slow cooking not only simplifies meal prep but allows all the flavors to meld together for a deliciously rich and satisfying result.

When ready, the beef mixture is piled onto soft rolls with gooey mozzarella cheese for a meal that has all the best parts of pizza and sloppy joes in every bite!

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Ingredient Highlights

• Ground Beef: 2 pounds of 80/20 ground beef provide a juicy, flavorful base. For a leaner option, try 90/10 ground beef.
• Pizza Sauce: 30 ounces of pizza sauce bring that classic pizza flavor. Traditional or homemade pizza sauce works well here.
• Pepperoni: ½ cup of halved pepperoni slices for iconic pizza taste. For a twist, try turkey pepperoni or substitute with sausage.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Both shredded mozzarella and slices add creamy, gooey goodness that pulls the dish together.
• Rolls: Soft hamburger buns work great, or try ciabatta or hoagie rolls for a more artisanal touch.

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Cooking Instructions

1️⃣ Brown the Ground Beef: Begin by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat for a less greasy texture.

2️⃣ Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the browned beef into the slow cooker. For extra flavor, add sautéed onions or garlic.

3️⃣ Add Pizza Sauce and Pepperoni: Stir in the pizza sauce and halved pepperoni slices, mixing until evenly combined.

4️⃣ Cook in the Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, or on high for 1.5 hours, letting the flavors meld together.

5️⃣ Add Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the mixture and let it melt for 30 minutes, creating a cheesy, irresistible texture.

6️⃣ Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Spoon the beef mixture onto rolls, top with a slice of mozzarella, and serve hot.

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Tips for Success

• Prevent Soggy Sandwiches: Assemble sandwiches just before serving. Store the beef mixture separately if you have leftovers.
• Reheating: Reheat leftover beef on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or sauce if needed.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute plant-based ground meat and vegetarian pepperoni for a meat-free option.
• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or use spicy pizza sauce.
• Hawaiian: Add pineapple chunks and diced ham for a sweet-savory twist.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different type of meat? Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives all work well.
• How long will leftovers keep? Store the beef mixture in the fridge for up to 4 days, assembling sandwiches fresh each time.
• Can I freeze this? Yes! Freeze the beef mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

This Slow Cooker Pizza Sloppy Joes recipe is a fun, flavorful twist on two favorites that’s sure to become a family favorite.