Description
This Vegan Sloppy Joes recipe features a flavorful, plant-based twist on a classic comfort food. Made with cauliflower that mimics the texture of ground meat, combined with a savory tomato-based sauce and seasoned with aromatic spices, it’s perfect for a hearty and healthy meal served on gluten-free buns.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh garlic (minced)
- 1/2 green pepper (diced)
- 1/4 large onion (diced, plus additional for garnish optional)
- 4 cups cauliflower (chopped into small pieces, about 1 pound)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish optional)
Sauce & Seasonings
- 3/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup reduced-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons coconut sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon gluten-free Worcestershire sauce (vegan option if desired)
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (omit if you don’t like spice)
- Generous pinch of pepper
Bread
- 4 gluten-free buns
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the minced garlic, diced green pepper, and onion to the pan. Cook them, stirring frequently, until they are lightly golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Cook cauliflower: Add the chopped cauliflower to the pan and cook, stirring often, for about 2 minutes to soften and begin to brown slightly.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in the tomato sauce, vegetable broth, coconut sugar, tomato paste, gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, chili powder, salt, yellow mustard, red pepper flakes, and a generous pinch of pepper. Mix well, breaking down the tomato paste thoroughly into the sauce.
- Simmer: Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rapid boil. Then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and most of the liquid evaporates, about 10 minutes. The mixture should be moist but thickened.
- Assemble: Spoon the cooked cauliflower sloppy joe mixture onto the gluten-free buns. Garnish with chopped parsley and additional diced onion if desired, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce to keep the recipe vegan and gluten-free.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit entirely for no heat.
- For extra flavor, allow the mixture to simmer on low heat a bit longer to concentrate the sauce.
- Serve with a side of fresh vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Vegan sloppy joes, cauliflower sloppy joes, gluten-free sloppy joes, plant-based sloppy joes, vegan sandwich recipe
