Vegan Sloppy Joes

The entirety of this recipe can be also be made non-vegan if desired. The sauce will remain the same, while replacing plant-based meats with any combination of ground beef, ground pork, ground poultry or tofu as another vegan alternative. If using Tofu, be sure to buy or make extra firm tofu, and be sure to extract as much moisture as possible before crumbling into a ground meat-like texture.

Chop the onions, peppers, garlic, and tomatoes into separate bowls for ease of cooking in stages. Start with a bowl for each onions, peppers, garlic, tomatoes, and chipotle pepper. You can also measure out the dry spices in a prep bowl. This recipe can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge up to one week. The flavors will continue to build and heat will slightly intensify.

1. Begin by heating two tablespoons of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions and sauté until they are softened.
2. Next, incorporate the garlic, red bell pepper, and poblano pepper into the skillet. Continue to cook the mixture for about 3 minutes, or until these vegetables have softened.
3. Then, add the vegan meat to the skillet, allowing it to brown. To enhance the texture, let it sit undisturbed for a few minutes at the beginning, which helps develop a crisper exterior.
4. Stir in the tomato paste, ensuring it's well combined with the other ingredients, and cook for an additional minute to enhance the tomato's flavor.
5. Following that, add the crushed tomatoes, ketchup, chipotle pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard to the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
6. If the mixture seems too thick, slowly add water until you reach the desired consistency.
7. Season the mixture with chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, adjusting these to taste.
8. Continue cooking the mixture for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
9. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and let the meat mixture cool slightly. This resting period allows the flavors to deepen, about 10 minutes before serving.