Easy Vegan Sloppy Joes

Exactly a decade ago, a fast and flavorful recipe for vegan sloppy joes was shared with us by Nasoya. It’s a super-easy recipe that I was inspired to pull from our archives last week. And I’m happy to report that it’s not only quick, but delicious too.

I would be lying if I said that these vegan sloppy joes tasted just like the meaty versions. But that doesn’t change the fact that they’re pretty darn good. The flavor is mild and family-friendly, but hearty and satisfying. And the cost per meal came out to only about $1 per person!

I didn’t feel like a big hamburger bun, so I served these vegan sloppy joes open-faced on toasted whole grain English muffin halves (from Trader Joe’s). You can eat them by hand, or with a knife and fork if you aren’t into the sloppy style.

Special Diet Notes: Easy Vegan Sloppy Joes

By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, optionally gluten-free, nut-free, peanut-free, vegan, plant-based, and vegetarian.

Alisa Fleming

Easy Vegan Sloppy Joes

5 from 2 votes

This recipe was originally shared with us by Nasoya, a popular organic tofu producer. I have modified the recipe a bit, but stayed true to their concept.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 to 6 servings

Calories:

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 1 14- to 16- ounce package organic firm or extra-firm tofu well-drained and crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive or grapeseed oil
• 1 medium green bell pepper diced
• 1 small white or yellow onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or wheat-free tamari for gluten free
• 2 cups canned tomato sauce I used Trader Joe's
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• 4 to 6 dairy-free hamburger buns or English muffins toasted (gluten free, if needed)
• Water if needed
• Salt to taste (optional)
• Black pepper to taste

Method

 

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bell pepper, onion, and garlic (if using) and sauté for 5 minutes, or until tender.
2. Add the crumbled tofu and soy sauce or tamari, and sauté for 5 minutes, or until the tofu starts to brown.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, chili powder, and cumin powder. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. It should be quite thick, but if it's too thick, add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to reach your desired consistency.
4. Season to taste with salt (I usually add about 1/8 teaspoon) and black pepper.
5. Serve hot over toasted hamburger buns or English muffins.

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