Sloppy Giuseppe from PizzaExpress features a hearty blend of seasoned minced beef, tangy tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese on a golden, crispy pizza crust, delivering a savory and satisfying Italian-inspired flavor.
Equipments
- Pizza oven
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Saucepan
- Skillet or frying pan
- Chef's knife
- Pizza peel
- Baking tray or pizza stone
- Grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) minced beef
- 1 pizza dough ball
- 1 cup (240ml) tomato passata
- 1 small onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Choosing high-quality minced beef ensures a rich and flavorful base for your Sloppy Giuseppe pizza. Fresh tomato passata offers a tangy and authentic taste, while dried oregano and basil provide essential Italian herbs that elevate the sauce. Using a golden, crispy pizza crust is key to balancing the hearty beef and melty mozzarella cheese. You should finely chop the onion and garlic to evenly distribute their flavors throughout the dish. This copycat Sloppy Giuseppe from PizzaExpress brings the same savory, satisfying Italian-inspired flavor directly to your kitchen.
Instructions
- Preheat pizza oven to high heat (475-500°F/245-260°C).
- Dice onion and mince garlic using chef's knife.
- Heat olive oil in skillet or frying pan.
- Add diced onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add minced beef to skillet and cook until browned.
- Season beef mixture with salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour in tomato passata and simmer until thickened.
- Roll out pizza dough ball using rolling pin on floured surface.
- Transfer rolled dough onto pizza peel dusted with flour or cornmeal.
- Spread beef and tomato mixture evenly over dough, leaving a border for crust.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over topping.
- Slide pizza onto preheated baking tray or pizza stone in pizza oven.
- Bake until crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbling (8–12 minutes).
- Remove pizza with peel, garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
- Slice and serve hot.
Substitution
Sloppy Giuseppe from PizzaExpress is a rich and flavorful copycat pizza featuring a savory mixture of minced beef, aromatic herbs, and melted mozzarella on a crisp crust. If you can't find pizza passata, substitute with canned crushed tomatoes or a smooth tomato sauce, adjusting seasoning to taste. Ground beef can be replaced with ground turkey or plant-based mince for a lighter or vegetarian option. When rolling out your dough, dust the surface with flour to prevent sticking and ensure even thickness. Your homemade Sloppy Giuseppe will taste best if cooked in a preheated pizza oven or on a hot pizza stone for a perfectly crisp crust.
Tips
Ensure your pizza oven is fully preheated to 475-500degF (245-260degC) to achieve a crispy crust and properly melted mozzarella cheese. When rolling out your dough, lightly flour your surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking without drying out the dough. Carefully monitor the minced beef mixture as it simmers in the tomato passata to avoid burning or over-thickening, stirring occasionally. Use a pizza peel dusted with flour or cornmeal for easy transfer of your Sloppy Giuseppe pizza to and from the oven, preventing toppings from slipping off.
Nutritions
Sloppy Giuseppe from PizzaExpress combines lean minced beef, a rich source of protein and iron, with tomato passata, which provides antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin C. The mozzarella cheese adds calcium and additional protein, supporting bone health and muscle function. The use of olive oil contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while herbs like oregano and basil bring antioxidant properties. Enjoying this pizza gives you a balanced meal that includes essential nutrients supporting energy, immunity, and overall well-being.
Storage
Store leftover Sloppy Giuseppe pizza in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain freshness. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days to prevent bacterial growth and preserve flavor. When reheating, use your pizza oven or a skillet to restore the crispy crust and melted cheese texture, ensuring your slices taste close to freshly baked.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap the minced beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives to create a lighter or vegetarian version of Sloppy Giuseppe. Using a blend of fresh tomatoes and tomato paste instead of passata may intensify the sauce's flavor and thickness. Incorporate finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms into the beef mixture while sauteing for added texture and nutrients. For extra crispiness, par-bake the pizza dough for 3-4 minutes before adding the toppings.
Allergies
Sloppy Giuseppe contains common allergens such as dairy from the shredded mozzarella cheese and gluten found in the pizza dough. The minced beef and tomato passata are generally safe, but individuals with sensitivities to nightshades should be cautious due to the tomato and crushed red pepper flakes. Your allergy considerations should include these ingredients to avoid adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
Sloppy Giuseppe from PizzaExpress stands out for its rich blend of spiced beef, tangy marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella, creating a hearty and flavorful experience. The dish combines Italian and American comfort food influences, appealing to fans of both cuisines. Making a copycat version allows you to customize the ingredients to your taste and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. Recreating Sloppy Giuseppe enables you to capture its unique texture and robust flavors while experimenting with your own culinary touch.