If you love the comforting, hearty goodness of a classic sandwich with an Italian twist, then you are going to absolutely adore the Italian Sloppy Joes (Messy Giuseppe Sandwich) Recipe. This dish takes the fun, messy charm of traditional sloppy joes and amps it up with vibrant bell peppers, rich Italian sausage, and a luscious marinara sauce, all melted together under a blanket of provolone cheese. It’s a perfect marriage of bold flavors and satisfying textures that will have everyone asking for seconds, making it a fabulous meal to share with family or friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this recipe is a breeze, and each component plays a star role in building layers of flavor, color, and texture. With simple pantry staples and fresh produce, you’re just moments away from crafting a delicious meal everyone will love.
- 2 teaspoons olive oil: Adds a smooth, fruity base to sauté the vegetables and develop flavor.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced: Brings a subtle sweetness and vibrant color that brightens the dish.
- 1 yellow onion, diced: Provides a savory foundation with a touch of natural sweetness once sautéed.
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage: The hearty protein packed with herbs and spices that delivers rich, meaty goodness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses deep aroma and savory punch that complements the sausage perfectly.
- 24oz jar marinara sauce: The heart of this sandwich’s flavor, offering tangy tomato richness that binds everything together.
- 6 slices provolone cheese: Melts beautifully over the hot filling, adding creamy, mild sharpness.
- 6 ciabatta rolls or sliced focaccia rolls: The sturdy, crusty bread that holds all the filling and stands up to the delicious mess.
How to Make Italian Sloppy Joes (Messy Giuseppe Sandwich) Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Toss in the diced red bell pepper and onion, stirring occasionally, letting them soften and release their natural sweetness. This step takes about 3 to 4 minutes, and it’s essential because these veggies build the base flavor and provide that lovely colorful contrast in the filling.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Next, gently push the softened veggies to the edges of the skillet, creating space in the center for the sausage. Add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it up as it browns. Mix the sausage with the peppers and onions so their flavors meld together. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes until you no longer see pink in the meat—this ensures the perfect, juicy protein center for your sandwich.
Step 3: Add the Garlic
The minced garlic goes in now to join the party—stir it into the skillet and cook just for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Garlic’s aromatic essence is crucial here, lifting the flavor profile without overpowering the delicate balance you’ve built so far.
Step 4: Stir in the Marinara Sauce
Pour the jar of marinara sauce over the sausage and veggie mixture. Mix everything thoroughly, then let it cook for 5 to 8 minutes. This simmering allows excess liquid to reduce, thickening the sauce and concentrating those delicious Italian flavors that bring this sandwich to life.
Step 5: Warm the Bread (Optional)
If you want to elevate your Messy Giuseppe sandwich, pop your ciabatta or focaccia rolls into a 350º F oven for 4 to 6 minutes. Warm bread makes for a softer bite and a lovely contrast to the rich filling. Just be careful when slicing warm bread open—it’ll be hot and delicate.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Spoon the thickened sausage mixture generously into each roll, then lay a slice of provolone cheese on top while the filling is still hot. The cheese will melt slightly, adding that irresistible creamy layer everyone craves. Serve immediately and get ready to dig into this perfect Italian spin on a sloppy joe!
How to Serve Italian Sloppy Joes (Messy Giuseppe Sandwich) Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate your Italian Sloppy Joes in both flavor and appearance. A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or Italian parsley brings brightness and a fresh herbal note. For a touch of heat, red pepper flakes are excellent, and a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving adds a glossy finish and deeper flavor. These small touches make your sandwich pop and feel extra special.
Side Dishes
When it comes to sides, simplicity works best to balance the rich, meaty filling. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is refreshing and cuts through the richness beautifully. Roasted or sautéed vegetables like zucchini or green beans add color and nutrients. For those craving comfort, garlic Parmesan fries or seasoned potato wedges turn the meal into a feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not make these sandwiches the star of a casual dinner party? Serve the Italian Sloppy Joes (Messy Giuseppe Sandwich) Recipe family-style, giving guests the chance to build their own with plenty of extra cheese, herbs, and warm bread on the side. For a fun twist, use mini rolls or sliders as appetizers, perfect for bite-sized indulgence. Layering the sandwich ingredients in clear glass containers is another cool way to showcase the vibrant layers before assembling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover filling is a gift! Transfer any extra Italian Sloppy Joes mixture into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for a quick and satisfying meal later on without any fuss.
Freezing
If you want to keep this deliciousness longer, freezing the filling is a fantastic option. Cool the mixture completely, then portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for it, just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat the filling gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it back to that perfect saucy consistency. Warm your rolls during the last few minutes of reheating to recreate that just-made magic.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground Italian sausage is classic for this sandwich, you can substitute with ground turkey Italian sausage or even spicy chorizo for a unique twist—just adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Is there a vegetarian version for Italian Sloppy Joes (Messy Giuseppe Sandwich) Recipe?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version using plant-based sausage or mushrooms finely chopped and sautéed to add a meaty texture. Adding lentils is another hearty and delicious alternative.
What bread works best for these sandwiches?
Ciabatta and focaccia rolls are ideal because they’re sturdy enough to hold the messy filling without getting soggy quickly. Artisan rolls with a crusty exterior and soft inside work beautifully too.
Can I prepare the filling in advance and assemble later?
Definitely. Making the filling ahead of time is convenient. Just reheat before serving and add fresh bread and cheese for assembly. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
How spicy is this Italian Sloppy Joes (Messy Giuseppe Sandwich) Recipe?
This recipe has a mild to medium level of spice, depending on the sausage used and marinara sauce choice. You can easily adjust by selecting sweet or spicy sausage and adding red pepper flakes if you want more heat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about crafting and sharing the Italian Sloppy Joes (Messy Giuseppe Sandwich) Recipe. It’s comfort food with a flavorful Italian heart—perfect for casual dinners or feeding a crowd with minimal effort. Give this recipe a try the next time you want a hearty, satisfying meal that’s bursting with bold, familiar flavors. You’ll find yourself coming back for seconds and sharing it with everyone you love!
Print
Italian Sloppy Joes (Messy Giuseppe Sandwich) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Italian Sloppy Joes, also known as Messy Giuseppe Sandwiches, are a delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe, featuring flavorful ground Italian sausage cooked with peppers, onions, garlic, and marinara sauce, served on warm ciabatta or focaccia rolls topped with melted provolone cheese. This easy and quick skillet recipe makes a comforting and hearty meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Meats
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
Pantry
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 24 oz jar marinara sauce
Other
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- 6 ciabatta rolls or sliced focaccia rolls
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil followed by the diced red bell pepper and yellow onion. Sauté the vegetables until they begin to soften, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Cook the sausage: Push the sautéed vegetables to the outside of the skillet. Add the ground Italian sausage to the center. Crumble and brown the sausage, mixing it with the vegetables. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes until the sausage is mostly cooked through and no longer pink.
- Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine with marinara: Pour in the jar of marinara sauce and mix everything together. Let it cook for 5 to 8 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly.
- Warm the bread (optional): While the filling thickens, preheat the oven to 350ºF. Place the ciabatta or focaccia rolls in the oven for 4 to 6 minutes to warm. Be careful when slicing warm bread.
- Assemble and serve: Spoon the thickened sausage mixture onto the warmed rolls. Top each sandwich with a slice of provolone cheese. Serve immediately for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use ciabatta or focaccia rolls for the best texture and flavor that complement the saucy filling.
- The bread warming step is optional but enhances the overall sandwich experience.
- To make it spicier, consider adding red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
