Meatless Sloppy Joes

When I was growing up I used to LOVE sloppy joes. Each birthday my mom and dad would ask my sister and I what kind of special meal we'd like and I would say "sloppy joes" (and cheesecake!) My favorite was sloppy joes on a toasted onion bun with french fries. I know, real healthy. I loved biting into a sloppy joe and having it slide down my hand as I'd have to clean it up with a fry. The sloppier, the better. 

​It had been YEARS since I had a sloppy joe, in fact I have a hard time remembering the last time I had one. That is, until I made my own! As my birthday approached in March, I knew the perfect comfort meal that would bring me back. I made homemade ketchup and sloppy joe mix made thick with handmade sausages that were crumbled and fried until golden. It was all served on a homemade bun with oil-free steak fries. It met every sloppy joe desire and made me feel like I was at home again. I made it again tonight to double check the recipe and it's a winner! My husband loves this recipe: "Delicious honey!" This recipe is a craving-buster, comforting meal that makes you feel like mom made it, filling, hearty, husband-approved and totally vegan! I hope you love it as much as I do. From my heart and kitchen to yours! Love, Christa ​

Makes 4 Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:
2 Vegan Italian Sausages Ground and browned 
1/3 Cup Chopped Onion 
1 Green Bell Chopped
1/2 Cup Green Chili Pepper Chopped
2 Garlic Cloves Minced
1 Tbsp Steak Seasoning (I used this recipe) 
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp Tamari Sauce (Soy for non-gluten-free)
1 Tbsp Agave
1 Cup Ketchup
3/4 Cup Freshly Chopped Tomatoes
1/2 Cup Filtered Water
4 Gluten-Free Buns (favorite or homemade)

Peaceful Preparation:

1. Heat a non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Once hot, add 1 + Tbsp Olive oil. ​Saute the homemade sausages, breaking them up as you cook them. Allow to cook until browned, I find it takes me 20+ minutes for a firm crumble. 
2. One browned, add in the chopped onion, green bell pepper, green chili pepper, minced garlic and steak seasoning. Cook for 10 minutes, uncovered, stirring frequently.
3. Reduce heat to simmer. Add mustard, ketchup, tamari or soy sauce, agave, ketchup, chopped tomato and water. Simmer for 30 minutes until nice and thick, stirring every 10 minutes.
4. Toast the buns and top with the sloppy joe mixture. I find they are best served with oil-free french fries. Feel free to serve with salad for a lighter meal.