There is something magically comforting about a sandwich that’s messy, hearty, and bursting with bold flavors. That’s exactly what you get with the Italian Sloppy Joes (Messy Giuseppe Sandwich) Recipe, a delightful twist on the classic sloppy joe that swaps tangy marinara, savory Italian sausage, and melty provolone for a truly irresistible meal. It’s the kind of sandwich that makes you want to dive in with both hands, savoring every messy, cheesy, saucy bite. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or impressing friends at a gathering, this recipe brings all the warmth and soul of Italian cooking into one humble sandwich that’s anything but ordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to making this dish shine. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures — from the sweet crunch of diced red bell pepper to the rich, savory notes of Italian sausage.
- 2 teaspoons olive oil: A good quality olive oil is essential for sautéing the vegetables just right and boosting that Italian flavor.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and beautiful color contrast to the filling.
- 1 yellow onion, diced: Brings sweetness and depth once caramelized slightly during cooking.
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage: The heart of the dish — packed with herbs and spices to give that classic Italian kick.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic always elevates, lending aromatic richness to every bite.
- 24oz jar marinara sauce: Choose a robust marinara to soak everything in luscious tomato goodness.
- 6 slices provolone cheese: Mild and melty, it adds creamy indulgence on top of the spicy sausage mélange.
- 6 ciabatta rolls or sliced focaccia rolls: A sturdy, airy bread that holds all the mess without falling apart.
How to Make Italian Sloppy Joes (Messy Giuseppe Sandwich) Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add those two teaspoons of olive oil to coat the pan, then toss in the diced red bell pepper and yellow onion. Sauté them until they start to soften and become fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step unlocks the natural sweetness of the veggies, setting the foundation for your filling’s rich flavor.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Push the sautéed veggies to the edges of your skillet, creating a cozy spot in the center for the ground Italian sausage. Crumble it in and cook, stirring occasionally, to brown the meat evenly. This should take about 5 to 8 minutes. You’ll want to cook until the sausage turns from pink to nicely browned, as this adds depth and texture to your filling.
Step 3: Add the Garlic
Sprinkle in the minced garlic and mix it throughout the sausage and veggie mixture. Sauté for just about 30 seconds until the garlic releases its wonderful aroma, making your kitchen smell like an Italian trattoria!
Step 4: Stir in the Marinara Sauce
Pour the entire jar of marinara sauce into the skillet. Stir everything well so that each bite is coated in that tangy tomato goodness. Let the mixture simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and thicken up into a perfectly saucy, chunky filling.
Step 5: Warm the Bread
While your filling thickens, preheat the oven to 350º F if you want warm, toasted rolls. Simply place the ciabatta or focaccia on a baking sheet and heat for 4 to 6 minutes. Warm bread elevates the sandwich by adding a delightful crusty contrast to the soft interior. But be careful when slicing warm bread — it can be tender and easy to tear.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Time to make these sandwiches shine! Spoon the hearty Italian sausage mixture onto your warmed rolls, then top each with a slice of provolone cheese. The cheese will gently melt from the warmth of the filling, creating that perfect gooey, satisfying finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the full experience of the Italian Sloppy Joes (Messy Giuseppe Sandwich) Recipe.
How to Serve Italian Sloppy Joes (Messy Giuseppe Sandwich) Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley on top for a fresh, herbal bite that cuts through the richness. A few red pepper flakes can also add a subtle heat boost for those who love a bit of spice.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to lighten the meal. For something a bit more indulgent, serve alongside garlic parmesan fries or a bowl of creamy minestrone soup. These sides complement the bold Italian flavors while giving the meal variety and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the filling in small ceramic ramekins with toasted crostini on the side so everyone can build their own messy Giuseppe sandwich bites. Alternatively, use slider-sized rolls for crowd-pleasing mini sandwiches perfect for parties or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen even more overnight, making for a delicious next-day treat.
Freezing
The cooked sausage and marinara mixture freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for easy weekday meals or emergency dinner rescues.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave on medium power in short bursts, stirring in between to keep the saucy filling hot and ready for sandwich assembly.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! While traditional Italian sausage delivers rich, spiced flavor, turkey or chicken sausage offers a leaner option without compromising too much on taste. Just look for Italian seasoned varieties for the best swap.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Italian Sloppy Joes (Messy Giuseppe Sandwich) Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the sausage with textured vegetable protein (TVP), lentils, or finely chopped mushrooms sautéed with the same spices and marinara sauce for a satisfying vegetarian alternative that mirrors the original flavor and texture.
What kind of bread works best for messy Giuseppe sandwiches?
Ciabatta and focaccia rolls are ideal because they’re sturdy enough to hold the saucy filling without falling apart, yet soft enough to bite through easily. Any rustic, crusty bread will do the trick.
Can I prepare the filling in advance and assemble sandwiches later?
Definitely! The filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. When you’re ready to eat, just warm it up, toast the bread, and assemble for a quick and tasty meal.
How spicy is this Italian Sloppy Joes (Messy Giuseppe Sandwich) Recipe?
The spice level depends mainly on the sausage you choose; many Italian sausages offer mild to medium spice. If preferred, you can add red pepper flakes to kick it up or use sweet Italian sausage for a milder meal.
Final Thoughts
Isn’t it wonderful when you find a recipe that feels both familiar and exciting? The Italian Sloppy Joes (Messy Giuseppe Sandwich) Recipe delivers just that—it’s a comforting, hearty, and utterly scrumptious meal that’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for friends and family. Give this a try soon; your taste buds will thank you for every delicious, messy bite!
Print
Italian Sloppy Joes (Messy Giuseppe Sandwich) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 6 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Italian Sloppy Joes recipe, also known as Messy Giuseppe Sandwich, is a delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe using Italian sausage, sautéed vegetables, and rich marinara sauce. Perfectly served on toasted ciabatta or focaccia rolls with melted provolone cheese, this hearty sandwich is quick to prepare and packed with bold Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Meat
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
Sauces and Cheese
- 24 oz jar marinara sauce
- 6 slices provolone cheese
Bread
- 6 ciabatta rolls or sliced focaccia rolls
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, then the diced red bell pepper and onion. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Cook Sausage: Push the vegetables to the edges of the skillet and add the ground Italian sausage to the center. Crumble and cook the sausage, mixing it with the vegetables. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes until the sausage is mostly browned and no longer pink.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Simmer with Marinara: Pour in the marinara sauce and mix thoroughly. Let the mixture simmer for 5 to 8 minutes to thicken slightly as the liquids reduce.
- Warm Bread (Optional): While the filling thickens, preheat your oven to 350ºF. Place the rolls or focaccia slices in the oven for 4 to 6 minutes to warm. Be careful when slicing warm bread.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spoon the thickened sausage mixture onto the warm rolls. Top each sandwich with a slice of provolone cheese. Serve immediately while hot and melty.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- To make the dish gluten-free, substitute the rolls with gluten-free bread.
- Leftover filling can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated.
- Consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.
- Warming the bread is optional but enhances the sandwich flavor and texture.
