These Vegan Sloppy Joes are better than the sloppy stuff out of a can. These are healthier and chocked full of protein.
As my food habits have changed, I became obsessed with Sloppy Joes again when I found a box of Vegetarian Sloppy Joe mix from Fantastic Foods at Whole Foods. Not only is it incredibly easy (just add tomato sauce!) it is delicious. I vow to never walk out of Whole Foods without a box of this stuff again. I vow to never be without a box or two in my pantry at any given time. It’s just that good.
Except that now, it has become nearly impossible to find. Whole Foods does not carry it regularly anymore and it has been in an unavailable state on Amazon for a year now. Occasionally, I will find a small supply at my local Publix and I will stock up. (I am sorry for my fellow Publix shoppers as I basically confiscate the entire supply). However, as wonderful the Fantastic Foods boxed Sloppy Joe is, it is still just that- a BOX of food. I have been searching high and low for a tasty yet simple recipe for a Vegan Sloppy Joe. I finally decided to try my hand at making my own.
I also think adding soy crumbles or lentils to the recipe would add an even more authentic Sloppy Joe texture and flavor to this dish. The beauty of cooking with veggies really is the versatility of the recipes. It is pretty simple to substitute most veggies with one another and still have the dish be delicious. I have a great recipe for Cauliflower-Walnut Meatless crumbles – just add the baked crumbles into the mix just before serving.
The Vegan Sloppy Joe recipe made more than enough for six servings. The next day for lunch I topped white rice with the leftover Sloppy Joe mix and served with a small Spinach side salad. Still delicious the second time around.
Vegetarian Sloppy Joes
These Vegetarian Sloppy Joes are better than the sloppy stuff out of a can. These are Vegan too!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup diced white onion
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced green pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled, minced
- 1-6 ounce can tomato paste, no sugar added is best
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
- 2-1/4 cups dark red kidney beans, coarsely chopped
- 6 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large skillet then add the onion, celery, green pepper, and garlic.
- Sautee until ingredients are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste and continue to stir over medium heat for 3 minutes.
- Add the brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, celery seed, and salt. Continue to stir until ingredients are well blended.
- Slowly add the water and fold in the red kidney beans.
- Continue to cook about another 5 minutes until the mixture is heated through
- Each serving consists of one bun and about a 1/2 cup of the sloppy Joe mixture.
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Helen Corbin
Thursday 1st of March 2018
I too have tried the sloppy joe mix from Whole Foods once and it was good but, you are right, it has not been available for a long time. Your recipe definitely is great!!!!!!!!!!!! I still have to find the mushroom version that I have SOMEWHERE :-)
Helen Corbin
Monday 19th of May 2014
Sounds good but I love a mushroom version that I have but can’t find the recipe to post right now - sorry :-(
Chad
Monday 19th of May 2014
I've never been a big fan of kidney beans, but mixed in with everything else this was pretty good.