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Vegan Sloppy Joes

If you're looking for a comforting, healthy, and fast dinner, this recipe is for you. Completely plant based and ready in just ten (10!!!) minutes, my Vegan Sloppy Joes are perfect for busy weeknight dinner.
5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6 sandwiches
Calories: 269kcal
Author: Sarah McMinn

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. vegan butter
  • ½ medium yellow onion, minced
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ green bell pepper, seeded and minced
  • 12 ounces vegan beefless crumbles
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1-2 tbsp. maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp. vegan Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp. tomato paste
  • ¼ tsp. paprika
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 6 hamburger buns, toasted

Instructions

  • In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once it is melted, add the onions, peppers, and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onions are translucent and fragrant. Add the vegan beef crumbles, and sauté for another minute, until they are defrosted. Note: The cooking time on the vegan beef will vary depending on the brand you use.
  • Add the remaining ingredients, mixing to incorporate. Turn the heat to low and simmer until all the liquid has evaporated and you have a thick meat sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings.
  • Add ¾-1 cup of filling to the bottom of a toasted bun. Top with top bun and serve immediately.

Notes

Serving & Storing - My Vegan Sloppy Joes are best served on a toasted bun. To maintain the bit of crispiness on the bun, serve immediately after spooning on the "meat" sauce. Sloppy Joe mix will refrigerate for up to a week and freezer for up to three months.
Tips & Tricks
  1. If you opt to use tempeh in place of the meatless crumbles, I recommend grating it on the large side of a box grater. This will help it to approximate the shape and consistency we are looking for.
  2. Some brands, like Beyond Meat and Impossible Meat, pack their meat crumbles similar to ground meat. For these brands, be sure to sauté the "meat" first, breaking it into chunks, before adding the sauce ingredients.
  3. If you want to emulate your favorite diner and their perfectly toasted bread, spread a thin layer of vegan mayonnaise on the inside of the slices. Place them in a skillet over medium heat, mayo side down. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until perfectly golden.
  4. No buns? No problem! If you're avoiding carbs, the homemade Sloppy Joe mix would make an excellent filling for stuffed peppers. I've also been known to eat it directly from the pan, so you'll hear no judgement from me whatsoever. Think of my vegan Sloppy Joe mix like a slightly sweet chili. It'd be great over fries, tater tots, roasted or baked potatoes or sweet potatoes. You could also do a quasi-Cincinnati style chili by spooning some over spaghetti.

Nutrition

Calories: 269kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 639mg | Potassium: 355mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 378IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 166mg | Iron: 3mg