Blackstone Italian Sloppy Joes

Name: Blackstone Italian Sloppy Joes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon cooking oil (olive or vegetable); 1 pound ground Italian sausage; 1 onion, diced; Kosher salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 2 to 3 cups marinara sauce; 8 to 10 slices frozen garlic toast; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Optional: grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for garnish

Posted on April 23, 2026

Delicious Blackstone Italian Sloppy Joes served on a plate

Dinner

Difficulty

Prep time

Cooking time

Total time

Servings

Table of Contents

A Taste of Nostalgia: Blackstone Italian Sloppy Joes

Hey there, fellow foodies! I’m so excited to dive into the delicious world of Blackstone Italian Sloppy Joes with you. If you haven’t tasted these mouth-watering creations yet, buckle up, because we’re about to take your taste buds on a rollercoaster ride through flavor town. Picture this: ground Italian sausage sizzling on a hot griddle, onions caramelizing to perfection, and a rich marinara sauce enveloping it all in warm, savory goodness. Combine that with crispy garlic toast and melty mozzarella, and you’ve got a meal that’s not just dinner—it’s an experience!

Now, let me take you back to a sunny afternoon in my grandmother’s kitchen. I remember the aroma of her famous spaghetti sauce wafting through the air, and the sound of laughter filling every corner as we gathered around the table. My grandma always had this way of turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary, making every meal a celebration. It was in those moments that I learned what it meant to cook with love and creativity. That’s what inspired me to create these Blackstone Italian Sloppy Joes. They’re a playful twist on the classic, but infused with all the warmth and comfort of timeless Italian dishes that I grew up with.

So, grab your apron, and let’s turn up the heat on this classic comfort food, Italian-style! It’s time to cook something unforgettable together.

Ingredients

Before we jump into the cooking, let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these flavorful Italian Sloppy Joes:

Cooking oil of choice: You can use olive oil for that extra Italian flair, or vegetable oil for a neutral taste. The oil is essential for sautéing those onions just right!
1 pound ground Italian sausage: The base of your delicious filling. Feel free to switch it up with turkey or chicken sausage if you’re looking for a leaner option.
1 onion (diced): This adds sweetness and depth of flavor. If you’re not a fan of onions, you can leave them out or even substitute with shallots for a milder taste.
Kosher salt: Enhances flavors. Use it liberally—taste as you go!
Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper brings a bite. Adjust according to your spice preference!
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme—this will transport your dish straight to Italy!
2 to 3 cups marinara sauce: Depending on how saucy you want your filling. Homemade is great, but store-bought works wonders too!
8 to 10 slices frozen garlic toast: This crispy base is going to make your Sloppy Joes truly special. You can use plain bread as a substitute if garlic toast isn’t available.
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melted cheese is non-negotiable! You can also use provolone or cheddar if you prefer a different flavor profile.
Optional: A sprinkle of parmesan cheese and fresh basil for garnish takes your dish elegant and enhances those fresh flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s get cooking! Buckle up; this is where the magic happens:

Preheat your Blackstone griddle (or skillet): If you’re using a Blackstone, preheat it to medium-high heat. A skillet works just as well—just get it hot!
Add oil: Drizzle a tablespoon of cooking oil onto the hot surface. Watch how it shimmers! This oil will help the onions caramelize beautifully.
Sauté the onions: Toss in the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and start to caramelize. Stir occasionally—this is the stage where the sweetness develops, and trust me, it’s worth it!
Brown the sausage: Add the ground Italian sausage to the griddle with the onions. Use a spatula to break it up into smaller pieces. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. This step is key—don’t rush it! The caramelization here is essential for flavor.
Season it up: Sprinkle in kosher salt, freshly cracked pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine. The aroma will fill your kitchen—this is the point where you’ll start to salivate!
Mix in the marinara: Pour in 2 to 3 cups of marinara sauce. If you like your Sloppy Joes extra saucy, don’t be shy with that sauce! Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Prepare the garlic toast: While the mixture simmers, cook your frozen garlic toast according to package instructions. Pro tip: Keep an eye on it, as nothing ruins a good meal like burnt toast!
Add the cheese: Once your mixture is simmered to perfection, sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Cover for a minute to let it melt satisfyingly into the filling.
Assemble your Sloppy Joes: Grab your crispy garlic toast and spoon a generous amount of your cheesy sausage mixture on top—let the gooey goodness overflow. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top for that Chef’s kiss moment.

And just like that, you’ve created a culinary masterpiece!

Serving Suggestions

Now, let’s talk presentation! Plating is as much part of the experience as the flavor itself. Here are a few tips for serving your Blackstone Italian Sloppy Joes:

Use a sturdy plate: The weight of the filling and cheese can be a lot, so choose a plate that can handle it without tipping over.
Layering is key: Start with one slice of garlic toast, add a generous scoop of that meaty, cheesy goodness, and then top it with another slice to finish it off, making it a delightful open-faced sandwich.
Garnish it nicely: Elevate your dish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or even a drizzle of balsamic reduction for some extra zing.
Serve with sides: Pair these Sloppy Joes with a side of crunchy salad or crispy fries for a full meal. Trust me, people will be coming back for seconds!

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some creative twists and variations to take your Blackstone Italian Sloppy Joes to the next level:

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños for a spicy twist that’ll have your taste buds dancing!
Veggie Lover’s Delight: Substitute half of the sausage with finely chopped mushrooms or zucchini to add more veggies to the mix.
Meatball Madness: Instead of ground sausage, try using cooked meatballs chopped into bite-sized pieces for a fun and delightful twist.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free bread instead of garlic toast, or serve the filling over a bed of zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
Stuffed Peppers: For a low-carb option, hollow out bell peppers and fill them with the cheesy sausage mixture before baking them until tender.

Chef’s Notes

Let me share a little secret with you: this recipe was born out of pure experimentation. One evening, I found myself with some leftover garlic toast and a craving for comforting food. I threw it all on the griddle and bam! A new family favorite was born. It’s funny how inspiration strikes; sometimes, it’s when you least expect it. I truly believe that cooking should be about having fun and being creative. Every recipe carries a bit of my adventure in the kitchen, and I love seeing how it evolves over time.

FAQs and Troubleshooting

Got questions or running into issues? I’ve got your back! Here are some common queries and troubleshooting tips:

What if my filling is too watery?: If you’ve added too much marinara, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow some of that liquid to evaporate.
How can I store leftovers?: Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet and serve on fresh toast!
Can I freeze this dish?: Absolutely! The filling freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It should keep for up to 3 months.
What if I don’t have a Blackstone?: No worries! A regular skillet works perfectly fine. Just ensure it’s hot enough to get that nice browning on your ingredients.

Nutritional Info

This flavor-packed dish is not only delicious but also delivers some nutritional goodness. Here’s a glance at the nutritional breakdown (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Calories: Approximately 450
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 2g

The numbers might vary based on specific brands and ingredients used, but overall, you’re getting a hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy!

Final Thoughts

Cooking should be a joyful journey, and I hope these Blackstone Italian Sloppy Joes inspire you to get creative in the kitchen. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners or a casual gathering with friends. Remember, it’s not just about the food—it’s about the experiences and memories we create around the table. So grab your loved ones, have fun with it, and make this recipe your own!

Now get out there and make something awesome. Bon Appétit!