Moussaka Inspired Sloppy Joe

This is just the meat portion of a moussaka recipe. I found myself craving the taste of moussaka, but without the 2+ hours to prepare it. I decided it might be fun to make the meat filling and treat it like sloppy joe. I've really enjoyed it. (You can substitute the ground beef for lamb or ground turkey)

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 lbs ground beef
• 2  large onions, finely diced
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1⁄2 cup red wine
• 1⁄4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1  teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1  cup tomato puree (or crushed tomatoes)
• 2  tablespoons tomato paste
• 1  teaspoon sugar
•  salt and pepper

Directions

1. In a large sauté pan, brown the ground beef (or lamb) over medium heat until the pink color disappears. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Add wine to pan and allow it to simmer and reduce a bit before adding cinnamon, allspice, parsley, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and sugar. Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for approximately 15 minutes so that excess liquid can evaporate. It should be a drier, chunkier, tomato sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. Serve on buns.