An old-school classic gets a boost of nutrition and flavor in this Vegan Cauliflower Sloppy Joe recipe. Usually cooked with ground beef, this recipe uses only vegan-friendly ingredients and a variety of fresh veggies to give it a healthier spin. I’ve also added protein-rich mushrooms and walnuts, flavorful herbs, and umami-rich soy and Worcestershire sauce for a satisfying and cozy vegan Sloppy Joe that’s bound to win fans, vegan or not. Add your choice of toppings, like tangy pickles or fresh coleslaw, and you won’t even miss the meat.
The star ingredient, cauliflower, is packed with nutrients and offers a gentle sweetness when cooked. Rich in vitamins C, K, and B6, as well as antioxidants, cauliflower is an excellent base for this recipe. Not only does it provide a hearty texture, but it also absorbs the flavors of the ingredients beautifully, making it the perfect partner for the array of seasonings and spices in this dish. A tip for the best texture: Break the cauliflower into florets and pulse in a food processor until chunky – coarser than cauliflower “rice.” No processor? A box grater works, too.
To make the Vegan Cauliflower Sloppy Joes, you will need the following ingredients:
Break 1 medium-sized cauliflower into florets. Working in batches, pulse the florets in a food processor until they resemble a chunky texture - coarser than cauliflower rice. Alternatively, use the larger holes of a box grater.
Heat a wide heavy bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ¼ cup olive oil and heat for about 15 seconds. Add 1 diced onion and season with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 2-3 minutes, then lower the heat and cook for another 8-10 minutes until starting to caramelize. Do not let the onion burn.
Add 2 diced celery stalks, 1 diced carrot, and ½ diced red bell pepper and cook until they begin to soften and sweat.
Add a splash of red wine or sherry and stir to deglaze the pan.
Add the finely diced mushrooms and cook until sweaty. Adjust for salt and black pepper.
Stir in 1 teaspoon thyme, 1 teaspoon basil, 1 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 bay leaf, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 pinch chili flakes (or more to taste), and 3 teaspoons soy sauce or tamari. Cook for a few minutes until fragrant. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
Stir in ½ cup finely chopped walnuts if using.
Add in 1 (6-7 oz) can tomato paste and stir until well coated.
Add in 2 tablespoons vegan butter, if using, 1 (28-oz) can crushed or diced tomatoes, and 1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer. Taste and adjust for salt and black pepper if needed.
Stir in the cauliflower and bring back to a simmer.
Add 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, ¼ cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, if using, 1 pinch cayenne, and 1 small pinch cinnamon. Simmer, uncovered, for about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust for seasoning. Lower the heat and simmer for another 10 minutes.
Serve on buns or baguette with your choice of toppings.
Delicious!
Lit!
Tasty, healthy, fast! Made these sloppy joes for friends, and they loved how flavourful they were. Even my meat-loving mate couldn't resist them! Will make again!
Superb vegan recipe
Wow! This vegan sloppy joe was a hit at our family dinner! I was skeptical, but my husband loved it too! The cauliflower added so much flavor. Can't wait to make it again!
These Sloppy Joes wowed my kids! Quick and so delicious!
Superb dish that my family loved. Tastes great and very easy to make.
This was excellent. Full of flavor! Thanks!
