Remember the messy, finger-licking goodness of sloppy joes from your childhood? Well, they’re back and better than ever! These Vegan Sloppy Joes use tempeh to create a deliciously saucy and flavorful plant-based version of the classic sandwich.
What’s Included In This Post
Tempeh Sloppy Joes are hearty and packed with plant-based protein. This recipe is an easy way to satisfy your comfort food cravings or serve up a simple weeknight dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These plant-based Sloppy Joes are not only delicious, but also:
- Quick and easy, ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Nutritious, thanks to the protein and fiber from the tempeh.
- Versatile and budget-friendly, with plenty of ways to customize the recipes using simple, affordable ingredients.
What is Tempeh?
Tempeh is fermented whole soybeans formed into a solid block. You can find it near the tofu and other plant-based meat alternatives in your grocery store or online.
Since tempeh is a fermented soy food, it’s less processed than traditional types of tofu. It has a nice “meaty” texture and can be crumbled to form a texture similar to ground beef in traditional sloppy joes. Wondering about soy nutrition? Read up in this post, then check out my recipe for Crispy Air Fryer Tempeh Bites for more recipe inspiration.
Ingredients for Vegan Sloppy Joes
- Tempeh
- Onion and green bell peppers, or any color of bell pepper you have on hand
- Garlic
- Smoked paprika
- BBQ sauce, bottled or homemade
- Low-sodium vegetable broth
- Hamburger buns, or a toasted bun of your choice
Plus any of your favorite toppings of choice like sliced dill pickles, jalapenos, pickled red onions, or crispy fried onions.
(find the full ingredient list and quantities in the recipe card below)
Swaps and Substitutions
While this sloppy joe mixture uses crumbled tempeh, you can also make meatless sloppy joes using vegan crumbles (from a brand like Beyond Meat or Impossible), cooked lentils, or a combination of all of the above. Although the texture might turn out different than the tempeh version, it’s a great way to use what you already have and avoid food waste.
Adjust the flavor to your preference by adding seasonings like chili powder, garlic powder, or extra sweetness with brown sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup.
And finally, swap to a gluten-free bun if needed. This recipe is vegan (so long as your BBQ sauce doesn’t include honey), meaning it’s already dairy-free. It does not contain nuts.
How to Make Vegan Sloppy Joes with Tempeh
Follow these simple steps to make easy vegan sloppy joes in no time!
- Crumble the tempeh using your hands, or chop finely until it resembles ground meat. You can also use a food processor if that’s easier for you.
- Add the crumbled tempeh to a medium bowl along with the BBQ sauce. Stir until everything is well coated, and let it sit while you saute the vegetables.
- Heat a small amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they start to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and smoked paprika. Stir and cook for about one minute, or until the mixture is nice and aromatic.
- Stir in the BBQ tempeh, plus a splash of vegetable broth. Adjust the heat so it’s barely simmering and cook for about 12-15 minutes. Stir frequently as the sauce reduces and thickens.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper (optional), then grab the buns and fill with the tempeh sloppy joe filling. Serve hot and enjoy!
Street Smart Nutrition Tip: The thicker the sauce, the better the mixture will stay inside your sandwich. But don’t be afraid to get messy – after all, they’re called “sloppy” for a reason!
What to Serve with Vegan Sloppy Joes
These hearty sandwiches are an American classic! They pair perfectly with other familiar picnic or cookout recipes, such as:
- A classic coleslaw, either piled into the buns or served on the side
- Crispy potato chips to add the perfect crunch
- French fries or sweet potato fries, hot and fresh out of the oven or air fryer
- Corn on the cob or a simple side salad to fill your plate with veggies
Storage Tips for Leftovers or Meal Prep
This tempeh sloppy joe recipe is surprisingly good as leftovers the next day! Tempeh has a firm, dense texture that holds up well to storing and reheating.
Transfer extra sloppy joe filling to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. This works well for batch cooking or meal prep, and will thaw overnight the day before you plan to reheat it.
To reheat a single serving, microwave in a small bowl. Once heated through, grab a fresh bun and serve. For larger batches, reheat on the stovetop in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the texture to help it reheat evenly.
Vegan Sloppy Joes with Tempeh
Ingredients
- 8 oz tempeh, or one package
- 1 cup BBQ sauce, bottled or homemade
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced, or about 1 cup
- 1/2 cup diced onion, from a white, yellow, or sweet onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced, or about 1/2 tbsp
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/3 cup low sodium vegetable broth
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Crumble the tempeh using your hands, or chop finely with a knife or food processor until it resembles ground meat.
- Add the crumbled tempeh to a medium bowl along with the BBQ sauce. Stir until everything is well coated. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they start to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and smoked paprika. Stir and cook for about one minute, or until the mixture is aromatic.
- Stir in the BBQ tempeh crumbles and vegetable broth. Adjust the heat so it's barely simmering and cook for about 12-15 minutes. Stir frequently as the sauce reduces and thickens.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper (optional). Fill the buns with the tempeh sloppy joe mixture and the toppings of your choice. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
You’re sure to love this vegan version of nostalgic Sloppy Joes! It’s a great recipe for easy weeknight dinners if you’re looking for plant-based meals for your regular rotation.
If you try this recipe, leave a rating and review to let me know what you think! And as always, thanks for stopping by the Street Smart Nutrition blog. Cheers to more fearlessly nourishing meals!
