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Italian Sloppy Joes

Hello, my foodie friends!

If you love a classic sloppy joe but want to switch things up with bold Italian flavors, this recipe is for you! Juicy Italian sausage and ground beef are simmered in a rich homemade red sauce, then topped with melty mozzarella and served on toasted Italian loaf bread. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

I’ve been wanting to put an Italian twist on sloppy joes for a while, and I’m so glad I finally did! The result? A saucy, cheesy, utterly delicious sandwich that’s bursting with flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

 Meat & Veggies

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 lb. Italian sausage
• 1 sweet onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 tbsp. minced garlic

 Sauce

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 (28 oz.) cans crushed tomatoes
• 6 oz. tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp. sugar
• 2 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp oregano
• ½ tsp fennel seed
• 1 tbsp. fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

 Serving

• Italian loaf, sliced
• 8 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded

How to Make Italian Sloppy Joes

1. Sauté the Aromatics – In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until soft and fragrant. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

2. Brown the Meat – Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pan, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until fully browned, then drain any excess grease.

3. Build the Sauce – Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and all seasonings. Add the bay leaf and sugar for extra depth of flavor. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for at least 30 minutes (longer for an even richer taste).

4. Toast the Bread – While the sauce simmers, slice the Italian loaf and toast it lightly in the oven or a skillet.

5. Assemble & Serve – Spoon the meat mixture onto the toasted bread, sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella, and let it melt slightly before serving.

Italian Sloppy Joes

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Total Time 2 hours hrs

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb Italian Sausage
• 1 sweet onion (diced)
• 1 bell pepper (diced)
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp fennel seed
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp fresh basil
• 2 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 6 oz tomato paste
• Italian loaf (sliced)
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese (shredded)

Instructions

 

• In a large saucepan over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage breaking up with a meat chopper.
• Saute the onions and garlic in olive oil in a large pot until onions are translucent.
• Add the remaining ingredients except for the french bread and mozzarella cheese, and the meat mixture cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for 90 minutes.
• Toast the Italian loaf with butter, garlic, and parsley.
• Top the toasted Italian loaf with the meat mixture.
• Sprinkle some mozzarella on top.
• Serve and enjoy.

What to Pair It With

These Italian Sloppy Joes are fantastic on their own, but if you want to complete the meal, here are a few pairing ideas:

A glass of red wine, here is a link to my favorite Oklahoma wine Sparks Vineyard
A simple side salad with balsamic vinaigrette
Garlic bread for extra dipping goodness

I hope you love this Italian-inspired twist on a classic favorite! Let me know in the comments below.

Check out my last post if you missed it: Jambalaya