Easy Vegan Sloppy Joes

When I was a kid, my mom made Manwich Sloppy Joes. But, of course, our parents poisoned us with SpaghettiOs as well as ring bologna. And, we lived. After becoming plant-based, I struggled to get my family on board. Fortunately, once I figured out how to make healthy vegan versions of the food my family loved, I won the battle, and everyone joined my plant-based journey. One of my first successes was a vegan sloppy joes recipe. As a result, vegan sloppy joes are one of my family's favorite meals.

Even though traditional sloppy joes don't contain any vegetables, I've added other vegetables to my vegan sloppy joes other than an onion. Also, instead of using ketchup, I use a combination of ingredients, which are healthier and tastier than ketchup. 

WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE IN VEGAN SLOPPY JOES?

VEGGIES:

• Baby portobello mushrooms
• White onion
• Garlic
• Red bell pepper
• Celery stalks

OTHER INGREDIENTS: 

• Cooked lentils (I used Trader Joe's steamed, cooked lentils)
• Red Wine Vinegar
• Pure Maple Syrup
• Chili Powder
• Vegan Worcestershire Sauce
• Organic Tomato Paste
• Montreal Steak Seasoning

STEPS IN COOKING VEGAN SLOPPY JOES RECIPE

Not only are these sloppy joes easy to make, but it all also cooks in one skillet. Like many of my one-pot recipes, vegan sloppy joes are cooked in stages to keep the vegetables and other ingredients from becoming overcooked. And, if you are looking for a quick and easy way to cut your veggies, I strongly suggest investing in an inexpensive vegetable chopper. 

First, I saute the onions and the garlic until the onions are translucent. Then, I add the mushrooms, celery, and red bell peppers.

My version of sloppy joes caters to both adults and children. The combination of flavors is what makes it so wonderful. Loaded with a lot of vegetables, this sandwich fools the average carnivore. I served this at a party once, and no one realized the "meat" was mushrooms.

Once the vegetables are sauteed, add the rest of the ingredients. As the moisture from the tomatoes and vegetables cooks down, the mixture will thicken. 

I used Annie's Worcestershire Sauce, but any vegan Worcestershire will work. The combination of the pure maple syrup and the Worcestershire sauce's tanginess works well with the garlic and tomato paste to create a beautiful sauce. I like to add a diced jalapeño for a hint of spice, but if you don't like it hot, don't add the jalapeno. 

MEAL PREPPING MAKES COOKING AND PLANNING MUCH EASIER

Since I prefer to plan, I made vegan sloppy joes to heat them quickly for dinner. Leaving the flavors to brew in the refrigerator only makes the vegan sloppy joes better. 

SUBSTITUTIONS, FREEZING AND REHEATING VEGAN SLOPPY JOES

If you are avoiding bread, by all means, use a lettuce wrap for your sloppy joes.

Although most bread is vegan, not all bread is oil-free. Believe it or not, the bread in the bakery section of the local grocery store carries a lot of oil-free bread options. So, stay out of the bread aisle and check out the bakery bread. 

OTHER OIL-FREE BREAD OPTIONS

• Food for Life Ezekiel 4:9 bread, English muffins, and tortillas
• Trader Joe’s Whole Wheat Tuscan Pane
• Trader Joe's Corn and Wheat Tortillas
• Vermont Bread Company (get the organic whole wheat varieties)
• Engine 2 Tortillas 

GLUTEN-FREE BREAD

• Ezekiel / Food for Life (check the label; most are  gluten-free)
• Glutino 
• Kinnikinnick Foods 
• Manna Organics 
• Mission Corn Tortillas 
• Nature's Own
• New Grains Bakery 

To freeze sloppy joes, make sure you leave an inch of air between the top of your freezer container to avoid freezer burn. However, vegan sloppy joes will last in the refrigerator for one week, which has NEVER happened at my house. 

Although I have fond memories of childhood "Manwich" sloppy joes, vegan sloppy joes are hearty and tasty. So, if you are struggling to make vegan dishes, your whole family enjoys, give this one a try. My kids love it, and I never have enough left to freeze for later.

Of course, you should serve vegan sloppy joes with Steak Fries; Air Fried and Crispy, Skinny AF Sweet Potato Fries, or Oven Baked Fries & Perfect Crispy Oil-Free and Garlic.

Another great idea is to serve sloppy joes with Vegan Potato Salad or Vegan Macaroni Salad. 

LOOKING FOR RECIPES, THE WHOLE FAMILY WILL LOVE? CHECK OUT THESE RECIPES:

• Veggie Stuffed Shells 
• Vegan Lasagna
• Vegan Hungarian Goulash
• The Best Ultimate Vegan Lentil Black Bean Burrito Ever
• Mushroom & Chorizo Tacos
• Mexican Lasagna
• Vegan Fettuccine Alfredo
• Vegan Meatloaf Meatless Lentils!
• Creamy Spicy Vegan Sausage Pasta
• Skinny Oil-Free Pizza Sauce and Pizza Dough
• Kathy's Yummy Vegan Chili Mac; Kid Tested; Mother Approved
• Vegan Enchiladas

Yield: 8 servings

Vegan Sloppy Joes

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Vegan Sloppy Joes aren't so sloppy, but they are genuinely delicious. These sloppy joes are homemade, low-fat, and kid-approved. You can make them ahead of time and heat them later, or they also freeze well. Served with vegan Greek Pasta, this meal is complete!

Print

Ingredients

Sloppy Joes:

• 16 small, diced baby portobello mushrooms
• 1 can organic, drained black beans or pinto beans
• 1 cup White Onion, diced
• 2 cloves, minced Garlic
• 2 small, diced Red Pepper
• 3 Celery Stalks, diced
• 2 cups cooked lentils (i used Trader Joes steamed, cooked lentils)
• 1 Tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
• 2 Tablespoon Pure Maple Syrup
• 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
• 1 Tablespoon Vegan Worcestershire Sauce
• 2 Tablespoons Organic Tomato Paste
• 1 Tablespoon Montreal Steak Seasoning
• Vegan Hamburger Buns (choice)

Instructions

Saute Vegetables:

• Sauté garlic and onion in a large skillet until translucent.
• Add red pepper and celery; cook for approximately three more minutes.
• Add mushrooms, and cook until brown and liquid dissipates.
• Add cooked lentils
• Add all remaining ingredients: black beans (or pinto beans), red wine vinegar, maple syrup, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste.
• Stir.
• Let simmer.
• As the ingredients simmer, the consistency will thicken.
• If you make it ahead, place a top on the pan and place it in the refrigerator.
• Re-heat when ready to serve

Serve:

• Using a vegan bun, toast and pile a large scoop of sloppy joes on the bun.
• Top with your favorite toppings. I served with sprouts.
• Popular toppers: Coleslaw, pickles, tomatoes, onions; the possibilities are endless.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Fullstar Vegetable Chopper - Spiralizer Vegetable Slicer - Onion Chopper with Container - Pro Food Chopper - Black Slicer Dicer Cutter - 4 Blades
• 
  McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Steak Seasoning, 11.62 Ounce (Pack of 1)
• 
  Annie's Organic Worcestershire Sauce Vegan 6.25 fl oz Bottle
• 
  GreenPan Rio 12 Inch Ceramic Non-Stick Fry Pan, Black - CW0005083

Nutrition Information

Yield

8 servings

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 184Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 2mgSodium 98mgCarbohydrates 34gFiber 9gSugar 8gProtein 11g

Nutrition facts may not be 100% accurate.

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Kathy Carmichael

Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂

www.kathysvegankitchen.com/about-me