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
Scale
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.
