Spicy Vegan Sloppy Joes – The Ultimate Meat-Free Comfort Food!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Surprisingly "meaty" texture from mushrooms and walnuts!
• Perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors.
• Lighter than traditional sloppy joes but just as satisfying.
• Ready in 45 minutes - perfect for weeknight dinners.

Tools You'll Need

Ingredients

• 1 pound cremini mushrooms, halved
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large sweet onion, diced
• 1 3/4 cups light beer (drink what's left in the bottle)
• Kosher salt
• 1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts
• 1 small green bell pepper, seeded and diced
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 6 whole grain hamburger buns
• Shredded red cabbage or lettuce, pickled jalapeno and scallions, for serving (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pulse the mushrooms in batches in a food processor until finely chopped. Set aside.
2. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the onions, 1 tablespoon beer and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the walnuts and peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are crisp-tender, about 3 minutes.
5. Add the mushrooms, 3/4 teaspoon black pepper and chipotle powder and cook, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms are just cooked through, about 5 minutes.
6. Add the remaining beer, the ketchup, tomato paste and 1/8 teaspoon salt and cook while stirring until the sauce is the consistency that you like, about 2 minutes.
7. Spoon the mixture onto each bun. Serve with toppings if desired.
8. Enjoy your delicious, messy, vegan creation! 

Pro Tips

• Don't over-process mushrooms - pulse until finely chopped but not pureed.
• Toast your buns for extra texture and to prevent sogginess.
• Let the mixture simmer longer for a thicker, richer sauce.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free beer and buns.
• Extra Spicy: Add fresh jalapeños or extra chipotle powder.
• Different Nuts: Try pecans or almonds instead of walnuts.

FAQs

Can I make this without beer?
Yes! Substitute with vegetable broth or non-alcoholic beer.

How do I store leftovers?
Store filling separately from buns in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

Are all hamburger buns vegan?
Check labels carefully - some contain dairy or eggs. Many whole grain buns are naturally vegan.

So there you have it - the most delicious Spicy Vegan Sloppy Joes that will make you forget all about the meat version! 

If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments how you customized your toppings.