Delicious Greek Sloppy Joes: An Easy Ground Lamb Recipe with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

Prepare for a culinary journey to the sun-drenched shores of Greece, right from your kitchen! These extraordinary Greek Sloppy Joes are a delightful fusion of American comfort food and vibrant Mediterranean flavors. Crafted with tender ground lamb, zesty peperoncini, creamy feta cheese, and crowned with a refreshing homemade tzatziki (cucumber yogurt) sauce, they promise an unforgettable taste experience. Forget everything you thought you knew about sloppy joes; this Greek-inspired twist is set to become your new favorite family meal.

Embracing Lamb: A Culinary Adventure Beyond Beef

While beef and chicken often dominate our dinner plates, I’ll let you in on a little secret: lamb holds a special place in my heart as my absolute favorite meat. For years, my interaction with lamb was limited to Easter, where I’d prepare a solitary lamb chop while the rest of the family enjoyed ham – a tradition born, I suspect, from my youthful insistence on something different! However, as my culinary confidence grew and my grocery budget expanded, ground lamb became an occasional treat. Then, a few years ago, a fantastic Middle Eastern cookbook entered my life, brimming with delicious lamb recipes. That book truly opened my eyes, inspiring me to incorporate lamb more frequently into my weekly meal planning. Honestly, given the choice, I’d pick ground lamb over beef any day for its distinct, rich flavor profile.

This journey led me to ponder why lamb isn’t a more common choice for many of my friends and family. Why does this wonderfully versatile meat remain a rarity in so many households? It turns out, the American Lamb Board shared this very question. They challenged me to create a recipe that would inspire you to explore lamb, not just for special occasions, but for a delicious weeknight dinner. And what better way to introduce lamb than through the familiar, comforting format of a sloppy joe? Cooking with ground lamb is incredibly straightforward – if you can handle ground beef, you can absolutely master ground lamb. It’s an easy switch that unlocks a world of flavor. Lamb also naturally complements global flavors beautifully, which is precisely why I ventured into Greek cuisine with these Greek Sloppy Joes, served alongside a homemade tzatziki (cucumber yogurt) sauce and crunchy pita chips. You already know and love sloppy joes, and you’re familiar with the irresistible tastes of Greek food. Now, imagine combining the best of both worlds into one incredible sandwich!

The Greek Transformation: Turning a Classic into a Mediterranean Marvel

So, what exactly elevates these sloppy joes from classic American fare to a vibrant Greek sensation? When I envision Greek cuisine, my mind instantly drifts to mouth-watering gyros, which almost invariably feature succulent lamb. This dish began with my beloved traditional sloppy joe recipe, but with a crucial Mediterranean twist: I swapped out the ground beef for flavorful ground lamb. This simple change laid the foundation for a truly authentic Greek experience.

Next, I infused the mixture with quintessential Greek ingredients. Finely chopped red onion and minced garlic provide an aromatic base, while a generous dose of dried oregano delivers that earthy, slightly peppery flavor that defines Greek cooking. To add a punch of briny tang and a subtle heat, I incorporated chopped peperoncini. These mild peppers are much milder than jalapeños, offering a bright acidity without overwhelming spiciness. For those who are a little hesitant, green bell pepper can be easily substituted for a sweeter, milder flavor profile. Crumbled feta cheese is, of course, a non-negotiable addition, lending its signature salty, tangy creaminess to every bite. And finally, to tie all these incredible flavors together and add a refreshing contrast, I topped it all off with a cool, creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. (Don’t worry – if you struggle with pronunciation, you’re not alone; just enjoy the incredible taste!) The interplay of the hot, savory lamb mixture with the cool, refreshing tzatziki sauce creates a truly delightful temperature and flavor contrast that will make your taste buds sing. The richness of the lamb is perfectly balanced by the crisp cucumber and tangy yogurt of the tzatziki, making each bite incredibly satisfying.

The Star of the Dish: Quality American Ground Lamb

Let’s take a moment to celebrate the true hero of this recipe: the lamb. For this recipe, I proudly partnered with American Lamb, and their ground lamb is consistently exceptional, known for its superior quality, robust flavor, and remarkable tenderness. Choosing American Lamb means you’re not only getting a premium product but also supporting local family-owned sheep operations. With over 82,000 such businesses across almost every state, American Lamb is truly a local product, available year-round. This means you no longer have to wait for special occasions like Easter to enjoy its deliciousness!

Furthermore, many American lamb producers prioritize sustainable practices, and their lamb is often grass-fed, which I know is an important consideration for many conscientious meat buyers. Grass-fed lamb typically offers a leaner profile and a richer, more complex flavor. Beyond their commitment to quality, I have to commend the American Lamb Board for their fantastic sense of humor! Their branding, complete with playful stickers and a delightful book titled “Curriculamb,” shows a company that doesn’t take itself too seriously while still delivering serious quality. You’ve got to appreciate a company that can make a good pun!

Perfect Pairings and Smart Savings: Homemade Pita Chips

To complete the authentic Greek experience, I served my Greek Sloppy Joes with a side of crispy homemade pita chips. And here’s a little anecdote for you: I initially went to the grocery store intending to buy a pre-packaged bag of pita chips. To my surprise, a small bag was priced at a steep $4! Right next to them, however, was a stack of fresh pita bread, selling for just $2. Knowing how incredibly quick and easy it is to bake my own (you can find my simple recipe here), I made the smart choice. In minutes, I had a generous batch of perfectly seasoned, crunchy pita chips, saving myself $2 and likely getting twice the quantity compared to the store-bought bag. They are the ideal vessel for scooping up the flavorful lamb mixture and extra tzatziki sauce, adding a wonderful textural contrast to the sandwich.

Beyond pita chips, these Greek Sloppy Joes are incredibly versatile. You could serve them on their own for a hearty meal, or alongside a fresh Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean feast. Roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers also make an excellent accompaniment. For a low-carb option, consider serving the lamb mixture in crisp lettuce cups.

This recipe is not just about a delicious meal; it’s about expanding your culinary horizons and discovering the joy of cooking with lamb. It’s an accessible way to introduce new flavors to your family and perhaps start a new tradition. The combination of savory lamb, vibrant Greek spices, tangy feta, and cooling tzatziki creates a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and exciting.

So, tell me – are you inspired to cook with lamb more often now? What exciting lamb recipe will you try first? Share your thoughts and culinary adventures in the comments below!

Greek Sloppy Joes

Yield:
4 servings

Prep Time:
30 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
50 minutes

Time to take your taste buds to Greece with these Greek Sloppy Joes made with ground lamb, peperoncini, feta cheese, and a homemade tzatziki (cucumber yogurt) sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 pound (8 ounces) ground lamb or beef
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 3/4 cup canned tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives
• 1/4 cup chopped peperoncini
• 4 hamburger buns

Tzatziki Sauce

• 3/4 cup full fat Greek yogurt (roughly one 5.3 ounce cup)
• 1/2 cup chopped cucumber, peeled and seeded
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. For the tzatziki sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, dill, and garlic powder. Stir well to combine. Cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to use, allowing the flavors to meld.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the ground lamb (or beef), chopped red onion, and a generous pinch of salt. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the lamb is no longer pink and the onion is softened, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, dried oregano, remaining salt, and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a sloppy joe consistency.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the chopped peperoncini, chopped Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese until just combined.
6. To serve, spoon the warm Greek sloppy joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns. Generously dollop the prepared tzatziki sauce on top of the lamb mixture. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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Explore More Delicious Sandwich Recipes For You

If you loved these Greek Sloppy Joes and are eager to try more exciting sandwich creations, I’ve got you covered. From classic comforts to international inspirations, these recipes are perfect for lunch, dinner, or entertaining. Each offers a unique flavor profile and a satisfying meal:

Classic Homemade Sloppy Joe Sandwiches

Savory Greek Portobello Mushroom Burgers

Sweet Chili and Pineapple Thai Burgers

Irresistible Maple BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

Rich Guinness Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Disclosure: I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls. As always, thank you for reading and supporting brands I work with, which allows me to bring you more recipes. All opinions, text, and photographs are my own.