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Greek Sloppy Joes

This recipe offers a Greek-inspired twist on classic sloppy joes, combining savory ground beef with red onion, green bell pepper, garlic, tomato sauce, and oregano. The mixture is simmered to perfection and finished with crumbled feta and briny Kalamata olives, creating a flavorful and hearty Mediterranean-style meal.
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Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 people
Calories 2439.2 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet or Dutch Oven For browning beef and simmering the sauce.
  • 1 Cutting Board For preparing vegetables.
  • 1 Chef's knife For chopping onion, bell pepper, and mincing garlic.
  • 1 Wooden Spoon or Heat-Resistant Spatula For stirring and breaking up ground beef.
  • 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons For accurate ingredient portions.

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 red onion chopped
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 cup feta
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  • Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until thoroughly browned. Drain any excess fat.
  • Add chopped red onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, then stir in the tomato paste and oregano.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow flavors to deepen.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat.
  • Stir in the crumbled feta cheese and Kalamata olives until just combined.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Serve the Greek Sloppy Joes hot, typically on toasted buns or with warm pita bread.

Notes

Achieve a deep, rich flavor by thoroughly browning the ground beef before adding vegetables, and always drain excess fat. Sauté the aromatics until tender, not just softened, to build a strong flavor base. Allow the sauce to simmer for at least 15-20 minutes for the flavors to fully meld. For best results, use good quality Kalamata olives and a creamy, tangy feta. To enhance the dish, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can be added to the sauce for an authentic Greek touch. Serve on toasted brioche buns or alongside warm pita bread.