Vegan Sloppy Joes

User Reviews

5

12 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    15 mins

  • Total Time

    25 mins

  • Servings

    3 servings

  • Calories

    220 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    American

Vegan Sloppy Joes

This Vegan Sloppy Joes recipe uses hydrated soy curls to create a meaty texture flavored with tomato paste, tamari, and spices like chili powder and smoked paprika. The plant-based filling is sautéed with onions and bell peppers and simmered with ketchup and mustard to build a rich, tangy sauce. Served on hamburger buns with optional vegan cheese, pickles, and red onion, it offers a satisfying and hearty sandwich that mimics traditional sloppy joes while remaining meat-free.

Description

The Vegan Sloppy Joes recipe starts with soy curls soaked in water and tamari to rehydrate and soften them. These are chopped finely to imitate ground meat texture. The filling is cooked by sautéing onions and bell peppers in olive oil (or water for oil-free), then incorporating tomato paste and a blend of spices including chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Ketchup, prepared mustard, and balsamic vinegar add sweet and tangy notes, while simmering with water keeps the mixture saucy.

This results in a savory, thick filling with a balance of smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors that work well spooned onto hamburger buns. Complementary toppings like thinly sliced red onions, dill pickles, and vegan cheese can be added for additional flavor and texture contrast.

Making this dish allows for plant-based protein with familiar flavors and textures of sloppy joes. It can be prepared ahead and reheated, making it practical for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 4 ounces soy curls see Note 1, or TVP
  • 1 ½ cups water divided
  • 1 Tablespoon tamari for GF or soy sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil for oil-free, use a splash of water to saute, optional
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 1 small bell pepper red or green, chopped
  • 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoons chili powder
  • teaspoon cumin ground
  • teaspoon smoked paprika optional
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 teaspoon prepared mustard
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar or Apple Cider vinegar
  • hot sauce optional

For serving:

  • 3 - 4 Hamburger Bun
  • red onion thinly sliced
  • dill pickles hamburger style
  • vegan cheese We like Violife smoked provolone or Chao creamy original, sliced

Instructions

  1. Place the dry soy curls (or TVP) in a bowl and add ¾ cup water plus a tablespoon of soy sauce. Stir well and set aside to soak. If using larger pieces of soy curls (not the small, broken bits), after they're hydrated, either pulse them in a food processor or transfer to a cutting board and chop them up by hand.
  2. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add the oil, if using. Saute the onion and bell pepper for 5 minutes. For oil-free, add a splash of water to help soften the veggies. Add the tomato paste and stir to mix it in.
  3. Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stirring frequently, cook for about 1 minute. Add the ketchup, mustard, and vinegar, and stir again.
  4. Pour the hydrated TVP/chopped soy curls into the skillet and stir well. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until just getting hot. Add ½ cup water, and increase the heat to bring to a simmer. If it starts to look too dry, add up to ¼ cup more water. Stirring occasionally, cook for about 5 minutes or until sticky and hot.
  5. Taste for seasoning, and add a few dashes of hot sauce if desired. Serve hot on toasted buns with your favorite toppings. Sloppy joe mix is also delicious on salads, tacos, grains, pasta, and potatoes.

Notes

  • Four ounces of soy curls is about half a regular bag; 4 ounces of TVP is about 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons.
  • Leftovers keep refrigerated for up to 5 days and freeze well for about 2 months.
  • Heat leftovers on stovetop or microwave before serving.
  • For a spicy variation, add diced jalapeno or red pepper flakes during sautéing and adjust hot sauce to taste.
  • Add smoky flavor by including smoked sea salt or liquid smoke.
  • To lighten the dish, replace some soy curls with cauliflower rice, diced carrots, or mushrooms.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 220kcal (11%) Carbohydrates 27g (9%) Protein 16g (32%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Cholesterol 0mg (0%) Fiber 9g (36%) Sugar 8g (16%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 3servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 220 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 220kcal 11%
Carbohydrates 27g 9%
Protein 16g 32%
Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Fiber 9g 36%
Sugar 8g 16%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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User Reviews

Overall Rating

5

12 reviews
Excellent

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