Vegan Sloppy Joes – Hangry Hanna

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Craving a tasty, quick meal that’s also good for you? Vegan Sloppy Joes are the answer! These plant-based sandwiches are packed with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes. You’ll love how easy they are to make.

Forget the meat – these Sloppy Joes use lentils or vegan crumbles instead. They’re mixed with a tangy tomato sauce and served on soft buns. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy a messy, delicious dinner that’s 100% vegan.

Table of Contents

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

Here’s what you’ll need to make vegan sloppy joes:

• 1 can (15 oz) lentils or 1 1/2 cups cooked lentils
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Can’t find some ingredients? Try these swaps:

Lentils → Crumbled tempeh or vegan ground “meat”
Bell pepper → Grated carrot or diced celery
Tomato sauce → Crushed tomatoes + tomato paste
Ketchup → Extra tomato sauce + pinch of sugar
Apple cider vinegar → Lemon juice

For extra flavor, you can add:

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or vegan Worcestershire
• A dash of liquid smoke

Serve your sloppy joes on burger buns. For a gluten-free option, use lettuce wraps or gluten-free buns.

Instructions

Ready to make vegan sloppy joes? Here’s how to whip up this tasty meal:

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add diced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 3-5 minutes until soft.
Toss in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Add your vegan ground beef substitute. Brown it for about 5 minutes, stirring often.
Pour in tomato sauce, ketchup, and vegan Worcestershire sauce.
Sprinkle in brown sugar, mustard powder, chili powder, and cumin.
Stir everything together and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Scoop the mixture onto toasted buns.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Want to make the best vegan sloppy joes? Here are some helpful tips:

Use a sturdy bun that can hold up to the saucy filling. Toasted burger buns or kaiser rolls work great.

Add extra veggies like diced bell peppers or grated carrots to boost nutrition. They’ll blend right in with the texture.

For a smokier flavor, try adding a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to the sauce.

Leftovers? No problem! Store the sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

You can also freeze it for later. Pop it in a freezer-safe bag or container and it’ll keep for up to 3 months.

To reheat, just warm it up on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water if it seems dry.

Make a big batch on the weekend for easy meals all week long. It’s perfect for quick lunches or dinners.

Try serving your sloppy joes with fun toppings like pickles, sliced onions, or vegan cheese. Get creative!