Sloppy Joe Pizza Bread Batbot

Soft homemade bread meets hearty Sloppy Joe filling in these irresistible stuffed batbots. Buttery rolls are packed with savory beef mishmash, a tangy ketchup-mustard sauce, and plenty of melty cheddar, making every bite craveworthy comfort food. Ideal for cozy family dinners or a creative twist on game day.

The first time I made these, I was craving both pizza bread and Sloppy Joes—so I stuffed the best bits together. Now, it is one of my kids’ most requested homemade treats, especially when the weather turns cold.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: Gives softness and structure Look for unbleached for best texture
• Salt: Essential for flavor enhancement Choose fine sea salt for even mixing
• Instant yeast: Ensures a quick and reliable rise Freshness matters so check the date
• Sunflower oil: Keeps the dough tender Pick a neutral oil to let other flavors shine
• Lukewarm water: Activates the yeast Use water just slightly warmer than your finger
• Butter: Adds richness to the filling Real butter brings a creamy background taste
• Ground beef: Meaty and satisfying Use 80 percent lean for juicy results
• Small onion: Sweetens and deepens flavor Pick a firm onion with shiny skin
• Green bell pepper: Gives freshness and light crunch Make sure it is bright and crisp
• Garlic: Lends a mellow punch Fresh cloves are essential
• Cumin powder: Earthy warmth Buy whole seeds and grind fresh if possible
• Onion powder: Backs up the savory notes Check for clump free powder
• Ketchup: Classic barbecue tang Pick a brand with real tomatoes on the label
• Mustard: Adds zip and balances the sweetness Use yellow or Dijon to suit your liking
• Black pepper: Cuts through the richness Fresh cracked is best for aroma
• Cheddar cheese slices: Melty and sharp flavor Go for medium to sharp cheesiness
• Water: Loosens the filling as it cooks Filtered water if you can

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the dough:

Mix together flour salt and yeast in a large bowl Add sunflower oil and lukewarm water Knead by hand for ten to twelve minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size about one hour

Prepare the Sloppy Joe filling:

Melt butter in a deep skillet over medium heat Add diced onion bell pepper and minced garlic Cook gently until soft and the onions start to become translucent This step is key for sweet and aromatic flavor

Cook the beef mixture:

Add ground beef to the skillet breaking it into small crumbles Brown thoroughly until there are no pink spots The beef should release its juices before you add any seasonings

Season and sauce:

Sprinkle over salt black pepper cumin powder and onion powder Stir in ketchup and mustard Pour in the water Simmer uncovered until the mixture thickens and the flavors meld about five minutes Let cool slightly before filling the dough

Shape and stuff the bread:

Punch down the risen dough then divide into equal balls Flatten each piece into a circle Spoon cooled Sloppy Joe mixture into the center Lay on a slice of cheddar cheese Fold up the dough to completely seal in the filling Pinch to seal and gently flatten into discs

Pan cook:

Heat a thick bottomed skillet or pan over medium Cook the stuffed batbots seam side down first for four to five minutes Flip when golden brown Cook the other side until evenly browned and the bread is cooked through

Serve:

Serve the breads warm as soon as they are cooked so the cheese inside remains wonderfully melty

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My favorite twist is loading in extra sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheese flavor It reminds me of late summer picnics when we used the last of the garden peppers and squeezed in extra cheese for an oozy finish My nephew once tried to break his personal best by eating four in one sitting and nearly managed it

Storage tips

If you want to keep extras stash them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days When ready to serve rewarm in a covered pan over low heat or pop in the oven for ten minutes until hot and crispy

Ingredient substitutions

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if needed For a plant based version use a lentil tomato mixture and your favorite dairy free cheese Sliced mozzarella works if you are out of cheddar for a milder result

Serving suggestions

Serve these with a side of tangy slaw or simple green salad They are also great dipped in extra ketchup or a spicy aioli For gatherings cut each stuffed batbot in half to make shareable snacks

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Cultural and historical context

Batbot is a traditional Moroccan pocket bread known for its soft chewy crumb and stovetop preparation Stuffing it with Sloppy Joe filling brings a playful fusion of American comfort and North African technique The result is a handheld meal that honors both family memories and curiosity for new tastes

Recipe FAQs

→ What is the texture of batbot in this dish?

The bread is soft and fluffy inside, with a golden, crisp exterior from pan-cooking, making each bite satisfying and tender.

→ How do you prevent the filling from leaking out?

Seal the dough edges tightly after adding the filling and cheese. Flatten gently to avoid breaking the dough before cooking.

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, mozzarella, gouda or Monterey Jack also melt nicely and add delicious flavor to the stuffed bread rolls.

→ What can I serve alongside these stuffed rolls?

Serve with a crisp green salad, pickles or even a simple slaw for a balanced and satisfying meal.

→ Is it possible to prepare the dough ahead of time?

The dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator overnight for quicker assembly the next day.