Dynamites Recipe

Make this saucy Dynamites Recipe for a savory meal your family will love! Named for its spicy ingredients, Dynamite sauce is served in torpedo rolls, to top pasta, or as a dip for your favorite tortilla chips. These are a staple in our family meal rotation, and I know your family will love this recipe too!

If you’re not from Rhode Island, then you might not know what Dynamites are. Heck, I’m a Little Rhody native and only found out these sandwiches existed about a year ago! They’re popular in Woonsocket which is in the northern part of the state and we southerners don’t get up there much cause it’s too far to drive. 😂 You may think I’m kidding, but it’s the TRUTH!

Also called “Torpedoes”, these spicy sandwiches are similar to Sloppy Joes but with a fiery twist. The secret is in the sauce; red pepper flakes, onions, and green and red peppers add a little kick of heat to the tomato-based ground beef mixture.

Everyone in Rhode Island will claim that they make the “best” Dynamite sandwiches, but my absolute favorite way to serve this Dynamite recipe is spooned over fresh pasta. I love how versatile this recipe is, and you can easily scale it up or down to feed your family or a large crowd. It’s great for tailgating, freezes well, and tastes amazing! It’s become one of Kurt’s favorite meals.

Ingredients for Dynamites

Gather together the following ingredients to make this spicy sauce:

• Olive oil- for cooking your veggies
• Lean ground beef (I use 90% lean)
• Red pepper
• Green bell peppers
• Onions, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper
• Tomato sauce
• Canned fire roasted tomatoes, diced
• Tomato paste
• Worcestershire sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes

For serving, you’ll need either a bag of torpedo rolls (small hoagie-style rolls) or your favorite pasta.

Make sure to review the recipe card below to see the exact amounts you need of each ingredient!

How to Make This Dynamites Recipe

1. Prepare your vegetables. Core, seed, and slice the peppers. Leave some slices longer and chop others into smaller pieces for variety. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Cook the beef. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and add the ground beef. Cook until brown, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 10 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer to the slow cooker, leaving some grease in the pan. Set the slow cooker to low.
3. Saute the vegetables. Add the peppers, onion, garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook until somewhat soft, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to the slow cooker with the slotted spoon.
4. Combine. Add the rest of the ingredients to the slow cooker – both cans of tomato sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and remaining salt. Mix until completely combined.
5. Cook and Serve. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally. Serve the meat filling in torpedo rolls, over pasta or as a dip with chips.

Dynamites Recipe Notes

• This recipe can also be made in a Dutch oven. Cook over medium-low heat for 2-3 hours and stir occasionally. 
• While ground beef is traditional, you could also make a version with ground pork or ground turkey!
• For people who want a spicier version, add additional red pepper flakes and/or sriracha on the side. You could also add jalapenos.

How to Store Leftover Dynamite Sauce

Let the Dynamites sauce cool down fully, then transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warm through.

Can you freeze this Dynamites Recipe?

Yes, this sauce for Dynamites freezes well! Once cooled to room temperature, you can put leftover dynamite sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat from frozen in a skillet, though you may need to add a little water to help loosen things up. You can also thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as directed.

More Like This

If you liked this Dynamites Recipe, then you’ll love these too:

• Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes– the perfect sandwich for busy weeknights!
• Aloha Sloppy Sliders– a great way to serve a crowd for family gatherings or your next Game Day get-together!
• Meat Sauce– for your favorite pasta.

Have you ever had a Dynamite? I’d love to hear your story in the comments!