Mediterranean Diet Classic Sloppy Joe Sauce
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this Mediterranean Diet Classic Sloppy Joe Sauce—a wholesome, flavorful twist on the traditional comfort food. Made with heart-healthy extra-virgin olive oil, lean ground turkey or chicken, and bold Mediterranean-inspired ingredients like kalamata olives, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning, this recipe packs a delicious punch. Sweetened naturally with a touch of honey or maple syrup and balanced with tangy red wine vinegar, every bite is bursting with rich, savory goodness. Quick and easy to prepare in just 45 minutes, this sauce is perfect served over whole-grain bread, stuffed into a pita, or even spooned over a fresh salad for a light yet satisfying meal. Ideal for those embracing a Mediterranean lifestyle, this healthier take on sloppy joes is both crowd-pleasing and nutrient-packed!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium Red onion, finely chopped
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium Red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Ground smoked paprika
- 1 pound Lean ground turkey or chicken
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 14.5 ounces Diced tomatoes, with liquid
- 1 tablespoon Red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Honey or maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 0.5 cup Pitted kalamata olives, chopped
- 0.25 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, until they become soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring frequently until the peppers start to soften.
Stir in the ground cumin and smoked paprika, allowing the spices to become fragrant, about 1 minute.
Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the ground turkey or chicken to the center. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until well browned and no pink remains, about 8 minutes.
Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 2 more minutes, combining it well with the meat and vegetables.
Add the diced tomatoes with their liquid, red wine vinegar, and honey or maple syrup. Stir in the Italian seasoning and reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
Fold in the chopped kalamata olives and let the mixture cook uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, reducing slightly and intensifying the flavors.
Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve hot over whole-grain bread, in whole-wheat pita pockets, or over a salad for a Mediterranean twist.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1503 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 90.5 g | 116% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.9 g | 89% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 363 mg | 121% | |
| Sodium | 4472 mg | 194% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 79.0 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.8 g | 67% | |
| Total Sugars | 45.2 g | ||
| Protein | 112.4 g | 225% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 462 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 18.3 mg | 102% | |
| Potassium | 3455 mg | 74% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
