Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground Italian sausage
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14 oz) can pizza sauce
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (or mini pepperonis)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 hamburger buns
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Meat:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and ground sausage over medium heat until browned.
Drain any excess fat, then add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
2. Add the Sauce:
Stir in the pizza sauce, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Simmer the mixture over low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Add Pepperoni:
Stir in the sliced pepperoni and let it heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Toast the Buns:
While the meat mixture simmers, lightly toast the hamburger buns in a skillet or oven for extra crunch.
5. Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
Spoon the pepperoni pizza mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun.
Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, then cover with the top half of the bun.
6. Serve:
Serve immediately and enjoy the pizza-inspired sloppy joe goodness! These are perfect for a fun, easy meal. 
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