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Italian Sausage Sloppy Joes

A fun twist on a classic recipe, Italian Sausage Sloppy Joes combine savory Italian sausage and lean ground beef topped with melted smoked mozzarella cheese on toasted hoagie buns.

  • Total Time: 315
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound bulk Italian sausage
  • 1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1.5 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
  • 2 cans (8 ounces each) no salt added tomato sauce
  • 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
  • 16 slices smoked mozzarella cheese (about 3/4 pound)
  • 8 hoagie buns, split and toasted
  • Pickled hot cherry peppers (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, cook and crumble the sausage with the chopped red pepper and onion over medium-high heat for about 5 to 7 minutes until the sausage is no longer pink.
  2. Transfer the mixture to a 3 or 4-quart slow cooker.
  3. In the same skillet, cook and crumble the lean ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s no longer pink, taking about 5 to 7 minutes.
  4. Add the cooked beef to the slow cooker using a slotted spoon.
  5. Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, garlic powder, and liquid smoke if desired.
  6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 4 to 5 hours to blend the flavors.
  7. To serve, place a slice of cheese on the bun bottoms, top with the meat mixture, and add pickled hot cherry peppers if desired. Close the sandwiches.

Notes

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze the meat mixture for up to 2 months.

  • Author: miguel-santiago
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 300
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: None

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Italian, Sloppy Joes, Comfort Food, Sandwiches, Easy Dinner