Make these protein-rich Vegan Sloppy Joes in just 30 minutes! Enjoy a simple homemade twist on a classic favorite using easy-to-find plant-based ingredients. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!
The combination of vegan ground beef, finely diced onions, bell peppers, and a medley of sweet and savory seasonings creates a mouthwatering filling that's both hearty and wholesome.
Whip them up for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch, they're the ideal solution for a quick, satisfying, and inexpensive meal.
Looking for more vegan ground beef recipes? Try my irresistible Vegan Bolognese, Vegan Spaghetti, and Vegan Lasagna recipes, and dive into the world of plant-based comfort!
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🌟 Why you'll love this recipe
- Quick and Wholesome. Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy days and tasty homemade dinners.
- Wholesome Comfort at Its Best. This recipe offers that comforting, satisfying taste you love, with all the goodness of plant-based ingredients.
- Family-Favorite and Flavorful. Feed the whole family with a dish everyone will adore.
- Deliciously Versatile. Whether you're enjoying them on a cozy evening or serving them up for a casual gathering, they're the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
- Affordable Delight. Savory satisfaction that's budget-friendly and made with easy-to-find ingredients.
🧾 Ingredient notes
Extra virgin olive oil - I prefer using extra virgin olive oil, but any type of oil will work just fine.
Vegan ground beef - Beyond Meat is a great option, but any brand will do.
You can also use canned lentils instead of vegan ground beef. In that case, cook the veggies, then add the lentils, and cook them for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Ketchup - For a healthier version of this recipe, use store-bought or Homemade Healthy Ketchup or even Tomato Sauce.
Vegan Worcestershire Sauce or soy sauce - I try to use vegan Worcestershire sauce whenever possible, but soy sauce is a good alternative.
Brown sugar - Although brown sugar is my favorite sweetener for this recipe, feel free to use alternatives like granulated sugar, maple syrup, or agave syrup.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
📋 Variations
Get ready to add extra flavor to your vegan sloppy joes with these 5 tasty variations:
- Spicy Kick. Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick of heat and flavor.
- BBQ Twist. Mix in your favorite Barbecue Sauce to transform your dish into a smoky and tangy delight.
- Cheesy Delight. Sprinkle vegan cheese shreds on top before serving for a gooey, melty texture and added creaminess.
- Tex-Mex Twist. Incorporate black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of Chili Powder for a Tex-Mex flair that's hearty and satisfying.
- Smoky Sensation. Introduce smoked paprika or chipotle peppers for a smoky depth that transforms the flavor profile.
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook vegan ground beef until browned, breaking into crumbles, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
Step 2: Add diced onion and green bell pepper to the same skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they soften. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Stir frequently.
Step 3: Return the cooked vegan ground beef to the skillet and mix in the tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Add ketchup, water, vegan Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 5: Cook the mixture over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 6: Serve on toasted buns for vegan sloppy joe sandwiches.
💭 Expert tips
- Choose your favorite type of vegan bun. Opt for soft yet sturdy buns, like classic hamburger buns, to prevent sogginess. Try brioche for sweetness or whole wheat for added nutrition.
- Toast the buns. Toast the buns to prevent them from becoming soggy once the mixture is placed on them.
- Make sure to overfill the bun. Ensure your bun is generously filled, allowing some filling to spill out. So you can scoop extra goodness up with potato chips!
- Opt for all-natural ketchup. If you're aiming for homemade sloppy joes free from processed ingredients, go for all-natural ketchup.
- Watch sauce consistency. If it thickens excessively, it could dry out. Cook until you see meat bits and a sauce trail forms when a spoon is dragged; if it fills quickly, it's too thin.
❓Recipe FAQs
Vegan sloppy joes can typically last in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container.
To extend their shelf life, you can also freeze them for up to 2 to 3 months.
Just be sure to cool the mixture completely before storing, and label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
When reheating, ensure it's heated thoroughly before enjoying.
Yes, you can definitely freeze them!
Allow the mixture to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Be sure to leave some space for expansion as the mixture freezes.
You can store them in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them thoroughly on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Absolutely! Making vegan sloppy joes ahead of time is a great idea. You can prepare the filling and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When you're ready to enjoy them, simply reheat the filling on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
To assemble the sandwiches, you can toast the buns and add the reheated filling just before serving to maintain the best texture.
This way, you'll have a quick and convenient meal ready to go whenever you're hungry.
Try classic options like crispy fries or creamy Vegan Coleslaw. For a lighter touch, go for mixed greens or corn on the cob.
Heartier options include Vegan Potato Salad or Baked Sweet Potato Fries. And for an extra kick, add some zesty pickles.
Manwich is actually a brand of canned sloppy joe sauce, and the terms are often used interchangeably.
Sloppy joes are a type of American sandwich typically made with ground meat (or a meat substitute for vegan versions) cooked with onions, bell peppers, and a tomato-based sauce.
Manwich is a popular brand that sells pre-made sloppy joe sauce in cans, making it convenient to prepare the dish quickly.
🌱 Other delicious dishes to serve with these sandwiches
⭐️ Did you like this recipe? Please consider giving it a 5-star rating and comment below!
📖 Recipe
Easy Vegan Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound vegan ground beef, or canned lentils
- ½ onion, finely diced
- ½ green bell pepper, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ⅔ cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce, or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
For serving (optional):
- 4 vegan hamburger buns
- Potato chips
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook vegan ground beef until browned, breaking into crumbles, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
- Add diced onion and green bell pepper to the same skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they soften. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Stir frequently.
- Return the cooked vegan ground beef to the skillet and mix in the tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
- Add ketchup, water, vegan Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve on toasted buns for vegan sloppy joe sandwiches.
Notes
- Choose your favorite type of vegan bun. Opt for soft yet sturdy buns, like classic hamburger buns, to prevent sogginess. Try brioche for sweetness or whole wheat for added nutrition.
- Toast the buns. Toast the buns to prevent them from becoming soggy once the mixture is placed on them.
- Make sure to overfill the bun. Ensure your bun is generously filled, allowing some filling to spill out. So you can scoop extra goodness up with potato chips!
- Opt for all-natural ketchup. If you're aiming for homemade sloppy joes free from processed ingredients, go for all-natural ketchup.
- Watch sauce consistency. If it thickens excessively, it could dry out. Cook until you see meat bits and a sauce trail forms when a spoon is dragged; if it fills quickly, it's too thin.
Heirloom cookbooks says
This Easy Vegan Sloppy Joes recipe is fantastic! I love how quickly it comes together and the flavors are just spot on. Thanks for sharing such a delicious and easy-to-make vegan meal!
Iosune says
Hi there! Thanks a lot 🙂
James A Clark Jr says
I haven't tried it yet but sloppy joe's were a favorite growing up! I can tell you I miss them! FOr those looking at sodium intake, Impossible ground has a better sodium to potassium ratio (should be two times potassium to sodium in amounts in foods), Beyond Burger is definitely higher as on the nutrition specs on their items. Light and Life crumbles are a good balance.
Iosune says
Hi James! Thanks for your comment 🙂 Hope you enjoy this recipe!
Laurel says
I'm making this for the second time. I love it. I dont use a bun or the oil or sugar and it still tastes amazing. I have it as a side with a giant salad. Such a good combo and the taste is too good
Iosune Robles says
Hi Laurel! I'm so glad you liked it 🙂
Glorya says
Easy, tasty. Perfect!
Iosune Robles says
Thanks Glorya! So glad you liked it 🙂
Angela Carruthers says
Hi! This looks amazing! What colour of lentils did you use for this recipe? I can't wait to try it
Iosune Robles says
Hi Angela! I have used canned brown lentils, but dry brown lentils are also great 🙂
Shaelyn Varner says
I’ve been on your page as if I’m on Amazon. I’m too excited about all of these recipes. Just made your rice and beans recipe last night and tonight I made this and absolutely amazing! You sure know how to whip it in the kitchen lol! Thank you!
Iosune Robles says
Hi Shaelyn! Thanks for your kind words 🙂 You made my day!
Sandy says
Can I make ahead of time and freeze for later when my niece visits?
Iosune says
Hi Sandy! I've never tried it myself, but I think it should work 🙂
Kathy says
I made this recipe for a family get together. It was fantastic. Even those who tried it and do not eat a vegan or vegetarian diet really liked it. Note: I used lentils I cooked rather than canned. I’m not fond of the “canned” taste.)
Iosune says
Hi Kathy! So glad to hear that 😀
Hayley says
Do you know about how many cups are in a can of lentils (if I want to cook my own from dry)?
Iosune says
Hi Hayley! I know a 15-ounce can of legumes usually contains about 3 and 1/2 cups of legumes once it's drained, but I don't know the equivalence with dry legumes, sorry!
Kelly says
I don’t have canned. How would you make this with dried lentils? This recipe looks amazing and I’d like to make it, but how would I substitute the dried beans for canned?
Iosune says
Hi Kelly! Just cook the lentils according to package directions 🙂
Melba says
Can you cook ahead and warm up right before serving?
Iosune says
Hi Melba! Just, you can cook the filling in advance 🙂
Corinne says
Delicious! Made for my daughter and it’s a new favorite of hers. I did cook much longer than 10 minutes so it was thick. She is also gluten free so I served on gluten free tortillas but it can also be scooped up with some corn chips. I tried this and I thought it was very yummy and I’m not a vegetarian.
Iosune says
Hi Corinne! So glad you liked it 🙂 It's a good idea to serve this with gf tortillas, I'll try it!
Stormie Carlson says
These were amazing. This is the first specifically vegan recipe we've tried and it really was a wonderful positive experience. We will add it to our go to list. Thank you so much for sharing. Loved it.
Iosune says
Hi Stormie! Thanks a lot 🙂 So glad you liked it!
Penny says
Loved it and so did my my family! Next time we are making a double batch so we can have left overs. Thank you!
Iosune says
Hi Penny! So glad you liked it 😀 Have a nice day!
Marie says
Thanks so much for posting this recipe! It sounds perfect
What type of lentils do you use. I'm only familiar with French lentils being firm enough to retain texture. Every other type I've had turn to mush when cooked and I've never seen canned lentils before.
Iosune says
Hi Marie! I used canned brown lentils, but dry brown lentils are also great 🙂
jennifer says
I just made this for my kids and it was a hit! I have tried to make vegan sloppy joes before with fake meat and my kids hated them...so they were a bit hesitant to try again but they really loved it! Although mine doesn't look nearly as pretty as yours! 😉 Thanks!
Iosune says
Hi Jennifer! I'm so glad you liked it 😀 Have a nice day!
Fred says
I must say I was skeptical when I found this recipe, but the first bite charmed me! Awesome taste, better and healthier than it would taste with meat! Thanks for all your fantastic recipes guys! 😀
Iosune says
Hi Fred! You're so welcome 😀 I'm so glad you liked it!
Jen says
Looks good. Experimenting with vegan recipes. Will post how this turns out.
Iosune says
Hi Jen! Thanks a lot 😀 Hope you enjoy it!
Dairy Maid says
If we're using canned lentils, should they be drained before weighing?
Iosune says
Hi Dairy! Yes, they should 🙂
Bea says
Willing to try this one!
Where do you find this type of whole wheat hamburger buns or the whole grain bagels you posted recently?
Thank you so much for sharing your amazing recipes and knowledge, you are so generous guys!!
Best , Bea
Iosune says
Hi Bea! I live in Spain, so I buy the bread at a local store in my area. You're so welcome 🙂 Have a nice day!
Kristina says
Oh my word, I will so be making this very soon. It's easy to tell this will be a winner & those chili peppers bring it all together!
I will write a review once I make it ?
Iosune says
Hi Kristina! Thanks a lot. I really hope you enjoy it 😉
Ashleen Woods says
I am so excited to try this out! We've got just about all the ingredients, so this is going on the list for later this week! :d Yum!
Iosune says
Hi Ashleen! I hope you like it!!!