Vegan Sloppy Joes

Add some fun and flavor to your weeknight menu with these Vegan Sloppy Joes. They are sweet, tangy, smoky and deliciously messy! Your family will love 'em!

Course Entree

Cuisine American, Gluten-Free, Vegan

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings Servings

Calories 289kcal

Author Melissa Huggins

Equipment

Large Skillet

Ingredients

Sloppy Joe Sauce

15 ounces tomato sauce , canned
2 tablespoons ketchup
3 tablespoons light brown sugar , more to taste
2 tablespoons gluten-free tamari , low sodium (sub soy sauce)
1 tablespoon vegan worcestershire sauce (sub vegan steak sauce)
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (sub apple cider vinegar)
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons liquid smoke *optional
2 teaspoons smoked paprika

Sloppy Joe

2 tablespoons grapeseed oil or preferred oil
1 small red onion , diced small
1 small green bell pepper , diced small
3-4 cloves garlic , minced or crushed
8 ounces baby bella mushrooms , finely chopped, but not minced.
8 ounces tempeh , crumbled (not all are GF so check package)
1 cup vegetable broth , low sodium
Salt and fresh cracked pepper , to taste
7 hamburger buns (GF if preferred)

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk all the sauce ingredients to combine well (tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, tamari, chili powder, smoked paprika, vinegar). Set aside
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once heated, add the onions and peppers. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until tender.
Now add garlic and sauté until fragrant for about 30-60 seconds.
Add the mushrooms and sauté until they have released their moisture, reduced in size and are slightly browned. The pan should be mostly dry. About 6-8 minutes.
Now stir in the tempeh and vegetable broth. Cover with lid and turn heat up to bring to a simmer, then lower heat to keep a low simmer. Cook for 10 minutes until liquid has cooked off. If it doesn't cook off at the 10-minute mark, uncover for 2-3 minutes until the pan is mostly dry (a little liquid is fine).
Stir in the sauce and raise heat to bring to a simmer, then lower heat to keep a low simmer for about 8-10 minutes. Cook uncovered until sauce reduces and thickens up. You want it to be saucy, but not runny.
Serve on toasted hamburger buns. See note for topping ideas. Enjoy!

Notes

The mixture is delicious enough to stand alone on toasted hamburger buns or hot dog buns. But, if you want to amp things up, you can top it with Vegan Cheddar Cheese, Sliced Red Onion, Vegan Mayo, Mustard, Vegan Sour Cream, Sweet Relish, Pickles, Coleslaw, Jalapeños or anything that strikes your fancy!

It's very filling on its own, but if you want to serve something on the side, Salads, French Fries, and Potato Chips are all tasty choices!

Nutrition