This Sloppy Joe Pizza recipe is a fun and tasty twist on a classic comfort food. Sloppy Joes are typically made with ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and seasonings, but this version adds pizza dough as the base and tops it off with melted cheese for a delicious take on a family favorite recipe.
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Favorite things about this recipe
- The homemade sauce on this pizza tastes just like the classic Sloppy Joe filling. It's tangy, slightly sweet, and packed with flavor.
- By using a store-bought pizza crust, you can save time and make this homemade pizza in 40 minutes, which means it's perfect for busy weeknights.
- You only need a handful of simple ingredients so you don't have to worry about spending too much money at the grocery store on ingredients.
This easy recipe is a great way to add a little variety to your weeknight meal rotation. Picky eaters will love the familiar flavors of Sloppy Joes in pizza form.
Ingredients you'll need
Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
Ingredient notes
- Olive oil - If you don't have olive oil, you can use any type of neutral flavored oil.
- Onion - Yellow or sweet onions are best for cooking in recipes like this one. You can use either one.
- Green pepper - I used a green bell pepper, however you can also use any color peppers that you may have on hand in your kitchen.
- Lean ground beef - I like to use 90% lean ground beef. You can use fattier beef if you have it, just make sure to drain it well after you brown it.
- Brown sugar - I like to use light brown sugar in cooking, however dark brown sugar can also be used.
- Worcestershire sauce - This staple will add a deep and rich flavor to your homemade sloppy joe sauce.
- Tomato sauce - I use canned tomato sauce in this recipe, but you can also use ketchup if that's what you have on hand.
- Salt and pepper - Season to taste with salt and black pepper for the perfect balance of flavors.
- Yellow mustard - A touch of mustard will add a tangy kick to your sloppy joes.
- Garlic powder - Adds a subtle hint of garlic flavor without the hassle of mincing fresh garlic.
- Salt and black pepper - Season to taste with salt and black pepper for the perfect balance of flavors.
- Pizza dough - You can use homemade pizza dough or store-bought dough. Use whatever you have on hand or can find in your local store.
- Mozzarella cheese - I like to use part-skim mozzarella cheese, as I've found it melts the best.
- Cheddar cheese - Shredding your cheese will help you get the best cheese melt on your pizza.
- Fresh garlic clove - This is optional and will add such a nice flavor to your pizza crust. You can also use Garlic oil if you have it.
Sloppy Joe Pizza
Ingredients
- ½ Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- ¼ green pepper seeded and finely diced
- ½ pound lean ground beef 90% lean if possible
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 pizza dough 12-14 inch pizza
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese freshly shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese freshly shredded
- Optional: Highly recommended for brushing the pizza
- 1 garlic clove cut into chunks
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a small bowl combine brushing ingredients (olive oil and garlic), set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat add olive oil and swirls to coat.
- Add onions and saute until translucent.
- Add bell peppers and cook for another minute to soften.
- Mix in ground beef and cook breaking it apart until no longer pink.
- Add brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, yellow mustard, garlic powder and mix well.
- Add salt and black pepper and taste to adjust seasoning.
- Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
- While the mixture is thickening.
Make the pizza dough:
- Preheat oven to 400F.
- Roll out your pizza to 12-14 inch circle and place on a baking pizza pan.
- Brush the surface of the pizza generously with the garlic oil, brush only with the oil leaving the garlic behind.
- Poke the dough with fork all over and bake in the center of your oven for 7 minutes.
- Take the pizza out and spread the meat mixture over and top with both shredded cheese.
- Return to oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes or until crust is golden brown at the edges.
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Step by step: instructions
Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.
- In a small bowl combine the olive oil and garlic for the crust, set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat add olive oil and swirl to coat.Add onions and saute until translucent. Add bell peppers and cook for another minute to soften. Mix in ground beef and cook, breaking it apart until no longer pink.
- Add brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, yellow mustard, garlic powder and mix well. Add salt and black pepper and taste to adjust the seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
- Preheat oven to 400F. Roll out your pizza and brush the surface of the pizza generously with the garlic oil, brush only with the oil leaving the garlic behind. Poke the dough with fork all over and bake in the center of your oven for 7 minutes.
- Take the pizza out, spread the meat mixture over and top with both shredded cheese. Return to oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes or until crust is golden brown at the edges.
Variations
- Use a store-bought loaf of French bread sliced in half to make sloppy joe French bread pizza instead of a traditional pie.
- Not a fan of ground beef? You can swap it out and use ground turkey instead.
- Want a little kick to your pizza sauce? Add a dash of red pepper flakes to your sloppy joe sauce for a little spice.
- You can also add your favorite pizza toppings to the top of this homemade pizza for a little extra flavor.
Amira's tips
- If you dust your work surface with a small amount of cornmeal you will find that it's easier to roll out your pizza dough.
- Using an already pre-baked crust instead of rolling out your own. Skip the first bake time, and just top your pizza and then give it a final bake.
- If you are using fatty ground meat, you will need to drain the excess grease before you add the remaining sauce ingredients.
How to store leftovers
Refrigerate - Allow the pizza to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze - Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat- To reheat, place the pizza in a preheated 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave the pizza for about 1 minute per slice.
How to make ahead
One great thing about this simple recipe is that you can make the sloppy joe mixture a day ahead of time so that all you need to do is reheat it and assemble the pizza before baking. By making the meat mixture ahead, you will save some time in the kitchen on a busy night.
Serving suggestions
- I love to serve this homemade pizza with a simple green salad or this delicious Greek Salad.
- Or, with a side of crispy Air Fryer Garlic Bread.
- For dessert this make-ahead Milk Pudding or this Instant Pot Rice Pudding.
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I hope you love this casserole as much as we do! Leave a comment below to share your thoughts!
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Jamie
Ok… I seriously loved this! So easy and so delicious! I made it for lunch for my kids and they both enjoyed it!