Homemade Gluten Free Sloppy Joes (Vegan)
Today we are making a Vegan Homemade Gluten Free Sloppy Joes! To recreate this classic recipe, we’re going to replace the traditional meat mixture with wholesome plant-based ingredients, making it a perfect option for vegans, or just a great way to explore a meat-free meal. These Sloppy Joes are packed with a savory and slightly sweet homemade sauce that’s bound to make you forget all about the meat version. And the best part? We’re keeping it a gluten free recipe, ensuring that those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this hearty dish without worry.
What’s in Sloppy Joes?
But let’s take a moment to understand what makes the traditional Sloppy Joe recipe so delicious! Sloppy Joes, for those who might not be familiar, are essentially a hearty sandwich filling, typically consisting of ground meat (such as ground beef but it could also be made with ground turkey or ground chicken, which we’re going to make vegan) cooked in a rich, savory, and slightly sweet tomato-based sauce. This sauce usually contains ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder and more.
The name itself, “sloppy,” comes from the delightful messiness that ensues when you scoop this flavorful concoction onto a soft bun. It’s like a flavor explosion in every bite, and perfect to meal prep for easy weeknight meals for the whole family!
Why is this American dish so irresistible? It’s all about the combination of flavors and textures – the Sloppy Joe sauce ingredients are where the magic happens. It’s a harmonious blend of tangy tomato paste, aromatic herbs and spices, a hint of sweetness, and a touch of umami. This symphony of flavors is balanced perfectly, creating a sauce that’s savory, slightly sweet, and downright addictive. And when you pile it onto a soft, gluten-free bun, it’s like a party in your mouth! The contrast between the saucy, tender filling and the pillowy bun is what makes Sloppy Joes a comfort food icon!
Why You’ll Love These Vegan Homemade Sloppy Joes
Messy, but Oh-So-Worth-It: Embrace the glorious messiness! Sloppy Joes are all about that satisfying chaos when you take a bite. The Sloppy Joe filling spills out of the bun, and it’s comfort food at its finest, offering a fun and hearty eating experience that’ll make you feel like a kid again.
Plant-Based Goodness: This recipe replaces the traditional meat with wholesome, plant-based ingredients. You can indulge in all the heartiness without compromising on your dietary choices. Plus, it’s an excellent way to sneak more plant-based protein and veggies during busy weeknights – perfect for those looking to up their daily dose of nutrients.
Easy-Peasy Preparation: Don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned chef; this easy recipe is super approachable to make. Stir fry your onions and garlic in oil, add in the remaining ingredients and allow it to cook. Then scoop it up into a sandwich and voila – instant family favorite!
Substitutions
Pasta Sauce: Look for vegan pasta sauce, that doesn’t contain any animal products such as milk or meat. Substitute with tomato sauce, and add additional seasonings, such as garlic powder, to make up for the extra flavor.
Avocado Oil: Use olive oil instead.
Extra-Firm Tofu: This is the firmest type of tofu available, and perfect for using in this recipe. Tofu is like a sponge, soaking up all the flavors you add to it! Do not use any tofu softer than extra-firm, as it will not hold its shape in the filling. You can find this at almost any grocery store in the open refrigerator section, or specifically check Asian grocery stores.
Homemade Vegan Gluten Free Sloppy Joes Recipe Notes
- For those with a gluten allergy, look for gluten-free buns or tortilla wraps to eat these in.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Sundried Tomato Black Bean Burgers
No Bake Butternut Squash & Black Bean Casserole
If you make this Homemade Vegan Gluten Free Sloppy Joes, then leave a comment and star rating! Don’t forget to tag your photos @peanut_palate on Instagram. Enjoy!
Homemade Gluten Free Sloppy Joes (Vegan)
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- ¼ medium yellow onion sliced lengthwise
- 1 large garlic clove minced
- ¼ medium green bell pepper sliced lengthwise
- 1 cup extra-firm tofu, crumbled water drained before crumbling
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- ⅛ tsp red pepper powder
- ⅓ cup vegan pasta sauce
- 8 tsp room temperature water
- ½ tsp yellow mustard
- ¼ tsp pink salt
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the oil.
- Once hot, add in the onion, garlic and green pepper. Stir fry for a few minutes, until the peppers and onions are soft, and the onions look translucent.
- Add in the remaining ingredients, except the tofu. Stir to combine. Turn the heat to high and allow the mixture to boil.
- Once boiling, turn the heat to low, adding in the tofu. Allow it to cook for 15 minutes, uncovered, stirring every so often.
- Once the mixture has thickened enough to a scoop-able filling, remove from the heat.
- Toast your choice of hamburger bun, adding the filling in to each one. Enjoy!
Notes
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Storage
- Store patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
