Spicy Sloppy Italian Joes
Transform your classic comfort food with a zesty Italian twist in these Spicy Sloppy Italian Joes! Combining the bold flavors of seasoned ground Italian sausage and beef with aromatic garlic, sweet red bell pepper, and a rich tomato sauce infused with Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes, this recipe takes your taste buds on a flavor-packed journey. Topped with fresh basil and melted Parmesan cheese, the hearty filling is generously piled onto buttery, toasted ciabatta rolls, making every bite irresistibly savory with just the right amount of spice. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, these Italian-style sloppy joes are ready in just 45 minutes and make for a crowd-pleasing meal. Whether served solo or with a crisp side salad, these sandwiches bring Italian-American comfort to your table in the most delicious way!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 15 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar
- 0.25 cup basil leaves, finely chopped
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 6 sandwich buns (preferably Italian-style, such as ciabatta rolls)
- 2 tbsp butter, for toasting buns
Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
Add the ground Italian sausage and ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 7–10 minutes. Drain excess grease and set the meat aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and sugar to the skillet. Stir to combine.
Return the cooked meat to the skillet and stir everything together. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing them to combine with the mixture for 1–2 minutes.
While the meat mixture simmers, toast the sandwich buns. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat, spread butter on the cut sides of the buns, and toast until golden brown, about 2 minutes.
Spoon the spicy Sloppy Italian Joe mixture generously onto the toasted buns.
Serve immediately with extra Parmesan or fresh basil for garnish, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
742 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 44.9 g | 58% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.6 g | 88% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 121 mg | 40% | |
| Sodium | 1255 mg | 55% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 49.6 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.0 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.5 g | ||
| Protein | 34.9 g | 70% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 148 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 4.7 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 715 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
