Sloppy Joe Pizza: Quick, saucy ground beef on garlic-butter French bread, topped with melted Cheddar. Perfect easy weeknight dinner!

Sloppy Joe Pizza on a plate.

Sloppy Joe Pizza Is…

  1. Simple: Straightforward ingredients, easy steps.
  2. A hit with kids: A surefire way to excite the little ones about dinner time.
  3. Ultimate comfort food: Hearty and satisfying – it’s comfort food at its best! Sloppy Joes + Pizza. What’s not to love?!
  4. Packed with flavor: Every bite brings savory, cheesy deliciousness.
  5. Easy to prep ahead: Fix the meat sauce ahead of time for a quick dinner assembly.

Ingredients used in this recipe prepped out for easy assembly.

Sloppy Joe Pizza Ingredients

  • Yellow onion: Grating it allows for better dispersion.
  • Garlic: Adjust to how garlicky you like it.
  • Red bell pepper: Chop it finely so it integrates better.
  • Ground beef: Pick leaner for less grease.
  • Tomato paste: Adds a more intense tomato flavor.
  • Crushed tomatoes: Quality counts for a great sauce.
  • Ketchup: Adds the perfect sweet and tangy touch.
  • Worcestershire sauce: Just a splash for deeper flavor.
  • Spices: Mustard powder, beef bouillon, and brown sugar help to amp up meatiness and balance acidity.
  • Sharp Cheddar: The sharper, the tastier.

The French bread being toasted in the oven for Sloppy Joe Pizzas.

How To Make Sloppy Joe Pizza

  • Prep veggies: Grate onion and dice pepper.
  • Sauté: Melt butter in skillet; sauté veggies until tender.
  • Brown beef: Add ground beef; brown and then mix in tomato paste and seasonings.
  • Simmer sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce; simmer until thick.
  • Prepare bread: Prepare garlic-butter mixture; brush on sliced French bread and bake briefly.
  • Assemble: Top bread with beef mixture and sprinkle with cheese.
  • Bake: Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Serve: Slice and serve immediately.

Oil, veggies, beef, seasonings, and remaining ingredients being added to the pot.

What To Serve With Sloppy Joe Pizza

The meat mixture simmering then being added to the French bread, cheese being added on top, and the Sloppy Joe Pizzas being baked.

Storage

Leftovers?

Sloppy Joe Pizza is tastiest fresh from the oven, but for any leftovers, follow these steps:

  • Cool: Let it cool to room temp.
  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container or wrapped well, for 2-3 days.
  • Freeze: Freeze slices on a baking sheet, then in a bag for up to two months.
  • Reheat: Oven at 350°F until hot (best for texture). Microwave works but will soften the bread.

Slices of Sloppy Joe Pizzas on a plate.

More Comfort Food Recipes:

5 from 1 vote

Sloppy Joe Pizza

Sloppy Joe Pizza: Juicy, saucy ground beef piled on garlic-buttered French bread, topped with loads of melted Cheddar.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large pan
  • Sheet pan
  • Aluminum foil

Ingredients 
 

  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 1/2 cup grated yellow onion 1 medium onion
  • 1 red bell pepper finely chopped, about 1 pepper
  • 4 teaspoons minced garlic divided
  • 1 pound lean ground beef 93/7
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup ketchup Heinz recommended
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
  • Salt
  • 1 teaspoon light brown sugar see note 1
  • 2 teaspoons beef bouillon powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1-1/2 cups (packed) freshly shredded sharp Cheddar
  • 1 loaf French bread
  • Finely diced parsley optional

Instructions 

  • Grate onion on large holes of a grater to get a packed 1/2 cup; dice bell pepper. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • In a large pan, melt 1-1/2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and 2 teaspoons garlic. Sauté until tender and liquid has evaporated (about 5–7 minutes).
  • Push veggies to edge; add beef to center. Let sear, then crumble while incorporating veggies. When mostly browned through, add tomato paste, bouillon, pepper, ground mustard, and a pinch of salt. Drain excess grease if needed.
  • Add crushed tomatoes, ketchup, Worcestershire, and brown sugar. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and simmer until thick (10–15 minutes). Stir occasionally. Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasonings.
  • Mix remaining 3-1/2 tablespoons butter with remaining 2 teaspoons garlic and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cut French bread in half lengthwise. Then cut both halves in half widthwise to get 4 large pieces.
  • Brush a little bit of butter on the bottom of all pieces. Place upside down on a foil-lined sheet pan. Bake for 5 minutes. Remove and flip over. Brush rest of butter on inside of bread. Bake for 5 minutes. Remove and let stand, then gently press in the centers to make room for meat sauce.
  • Divide beef mixture evenly among bread. Top with cheese. Bake 10 minutes or until cheese melts.
  • Slice and enjoy immediately, garnished with parsley if desired.

Video

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Adjust brown sugar to taste based on the acidity of the tomatoes used. You might skip it or add a bit more. Taste and adjust accordingly.
Storage: For leftovers, let cool to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the fridge for 23 days. Freeze slices on a sheet pan, then in a bag for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 703kcal | Carbohydrates: 52.9g | Protein: 43.5g | Fat: 35.4g | Cholesterol: 155.1mg | Sodium: 1558.1mg | Fiber: 5.1g | Sugar: 15.2g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Meet Chelsea


Hello, and welcome to Chelsea’s Messy Apron! I’m Chelsea, the recipe developer, food photographer, and writer behind the site. I’m passionate about creating simple, reliable, and delicious recipes that anyone can make.

Thanks for stopping by—I hope you find something delicious to make!

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5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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2 Comments

  1. Elizabeth Grevey says:

    What is the oven temp?

    1. Chelsea says:

      400 F, thanks Elizabeth!