Chickpea Sloppy Joes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chickpea Sloppy Joes are a hearty, plant-based twist on the classic comfort food—packed with protein-rich chickpeas, savory tomato sauce, and bold spices. They’re easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect for meatless Mondays or any night you want a satisfying, wholesome meal without the meat.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
olive oil
yellow onion (finely chopped)
garlic (minced)
bell pepper (chopped)
tomato paste
ketchup
Dijon mustard
maple syrup or brown sugar
chili powder
smoked paprika
apple cider vinegar
salt
black pepper
water or vegetable broth
burger buns or sandwich rolls
optional toppings: pickles, coleslaw, shredded cheese, avocado

directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper for 4–5 minutes until softened.

Add chickpeas and lightly mash about half of them with a fork or potato masher.

Stir in tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, maple syrup, chili powder, paprika, vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Add water or broth and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and saucy.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Toast buns if desired. Spoon the chickpea mixture onto the bottom bun and add toppings of choice.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4–6 sandwiches.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add chopped mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies.
Use lentils or black beans in place of chickpeas.
Make it spicy with sriracha or hot sauce.
Top with vegan cheese or dairy-free slaw for a full plant-based meal.
Serve over baked potatoes or rice for a bun-free option.

storage/reheating

Store leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot.
Freeze for up to 2 months—thaw and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I use dried chickpeas?
Yes—just soak and cook them beforehand until tender.

Are these gluten-free?
Yes, if served on gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.

Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, the filling stores and reheats well, making it great for meal prep.

Do I have to mash the chickpeas?
Lightly mashing them gives the mixture a better texture, but you can leave them whole if preferred.

What sides go well with this?
Try sweet potato fries, salad, or roasted veggies for a balanced plate.

Conclusion

Chickpea Sloppy Joes are a delicious, nutritious spin on a classic favorite—easy to make, budget-friendly, and packed with bold, comforting flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping lunches, this meatless version is sure to satisfy every appetite.

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