Just the mention of the word ‘Sloppy Joe’ brings back childhood memories of a Manwich can and watching Back to the Future in front of the TV on a Sunday night. So, when my kids asked me what a Sloppy Joe was, the nostalgia prompted me to re-create a healthier version of the classic… and it’s now a family favorite.
Vegan friends… Don’t worry, this recipe can easily be adapted to be meat free!
We serve this on my Gluten Free & Vegan Crunch Rolls, topped with Lettuce, Onion & Avocado! Everyone loves them – even when they’re Vegan!
The Tools & Ingredients Used in this Recipe:
I used these two recipes (1 & 2) as my inspiration by combining/omitting/replacing a few of the suggested ingredients & spices to be more friendly to allergies, special diets & Vegan if desired.

Gluten Free Sloppy Joe Recipe with Vegan Options
- Yield: 4-6 Servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Gluten Free
Description
This EASY Gluten Free Sloppy Joe Recipe is made with All Natural Ingredients & can easily be adapted for Vegan diets. Can also be prepared in bulk for quick freezer meals!
Ingredients
SAUTE INGREDIENTS:
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Cup Onion – Finely Chopped
- 1/2 Cup Carrots – Chopped
- 1/2 Cup Celery – Finely Chopped
- 2 Cloves Garlic – Crushed
BROWN INGREDIENTS:
- 1 1/4 Pounds Ground Beef, Chicken, Turkey, Pork (see Vegan suggestions below)
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
WET MIX INGREDIENTS:
- 2 Cups Tomato Sauce (Approx. one 15 ounce can)
- 1/2 Cup Ketchup (Here’ my Homemade Ketchup Recipe)
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 Teaspoons Mustard (Here’s my Homemade Mustard Recipe)
- Pinch of Fresh Ground Pepper (or to taste)
- Pinch of Cayenne Pepper (optional)
ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS:
- 2 Teaspoons Tapioca Starch or Cornstarch – for thickening.
Instructions
- Place all of the Veggie Saute Ingredients in pan with Oil and saute over Medium Heat until softened.
- While vegetables are sauteing, begin browning Ground Beef in a larger pot/pan and season with Salt.
- In a mixing bowl (I do this in my Vitamix), combine all of the Wet Mix Ingredients.
- Once veggies are done & meat is browned, combine all ingredients – including the wet ingredients – into the larger pot/pan with the meat.
- Continue to cook & stir until liquid begins to reduce.
- Once the mixture is boiling, you can then add the additional Starch if necessary to thicken it further.
- Serve hot over these Gluten Free, Vegan Crunch Rolls.
Notes
VEGAN SUBSTITUTIONS:
In place of the meat, you may use any of the following Vegan substitutions:
- Portabella Mushrooms – Wash & Dice, then toss in with the mixture once it comes to a boil.
- Tofu – Drain, Crumble, then toss in with the mixture before bringing to a boil.
- Additional Veggies – Choose your favorite veggies (cauliflower, bell peppers, potatoes, etc…), Wash & Dice, then toss in with the mixture before bringing to a boil. Be sure to check any root vegetables for doneness before removing from heat.
- Meat Substitutes – Such as Beyond Beef or Neat (beware, Neat contains Nuts)
BULK PREPARATION:
This recipe can be multiplied prepared this recipe in bulk and frozen for any easy meal another night! Just let it defrost in the fridge or warm it up on the stove/microwave & serve.
Saute the Veggies in Olive Oil – Just soften them a bit.Salt & Brown your Meat or Prepare your Meat Alternative
Add the Veggies & Sauce to your Meat & Combine
Continue to cook over medium heat until mixture thickens. You can use Tapioca Starch or Cornstartch if need be.
Serve on a Gluten Free Vegan Bun & Enjoy!
We love ours topped with Lettuce, Onions & Avocados! Yes, those rolls are Gluten Free & Vegan… Here’s my recipe for them!
Hi. Where is the vegan recipe? Thanks.
Hi Sharon! The Vegan suggestions are below in the ‘Notes’ section of the recipe. It’s so good without meat! Enjoy & God Bless! ~Erika
In your Gluten Free Crunch Roll recipe, do you have to use egg substitute? Can real eggs be used? Thank you.
Hi June, You can definitely use 2 real eggs if you’d like, however you may need to reserve 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the water/milk until your sure the mixture isn’t too runny. If needed, add back in one tablespoon at a time until the appropriate consistency is reached. Hope that helps. =) God Bless! ~Erika
Thanks so much.