Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80% lean)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 g) tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp (30 g) ketchup
  • 1 tbsp (15 g) Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp (10 g) Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp (2 g) crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup (110 g) sliced pepperoni
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 hamburger buns, toasted
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Heat the skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, cooking until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  2. Stir in chopped onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
  3. Incorporate tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning into the beef mixture.
  4. Stir in sliced pepperoni and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Allow to simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. While the mixture simmers, toast the hamburger buns in a separate pan or toaster.
  6. Divide the Sloppy Joe mixture among the toasted buns. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  7. Place assembled Sloppy Joes under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Garnish with fresh basil leaves (if desired) and serve immediately.