Mediterranean Diet Classic Sloppy Joe Sauce

Transform your weeknight dinners with this Mediterranean Diet Classic Sloppy Joe Sauce—an exciting, healthy twist on a beloved comfort food. Infused with the bold flavors of kalamata olives, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning, this wholesome recipe replaces traditional beef with lean ground turkey or chicken, making it a lighter yet satisfying option. The combination of red wine vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and diced tomatoes creates a rich, tangy-sweet sauce, while a fresh parsley garnish adds a burst of brightness. Perfectly balanced and loaded with nutritious ingredients like red bell peppers and garlic, this Mediterranean-inspired sloppy joe sauce is prepped in just 15 minutes and ready in under an hour. Serve it over whole-grain bread, tuck it into a warm pita, or spoon it over a crisp salad for a nourishing meal that’s anything but ordinary.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

Add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring frequently until the peppers start to soften.

Step 3

Stir in the ground cumin and smoked paprika, allowing the spices to become fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 2 more minutes, combining it well with the meat and vegetables.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Fold in the chopped kalamata olives and let the mixture cook uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, reducing slightly and intensifying the flavors.

Step 8

Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 9

Serve hot over whole-grain bread, in whole-wheat pita pockets, or over a salad for a Mediterranean twist.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1391.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1503.2

Total Fat 90.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 362.9mg	0%
Sodium 4471.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 79.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.8g	0%
Total Sugars 45.2g
Protein 112.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 461.7mg	0%
Iron 18.3mg	0%
Potassium 3454.6mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.5%

Protein: 28.5%

Carbs: 20.0%