If you are craving a meal that combines bold flavors with a comforting, hearty feel, then this Buffalo Sloppy Joes with Vegetarian Options Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Picture tender ground turkey or savory veggie strips simmered in a tangy, spicy sauce made vibrant with hot sauce, tomato, and just the right touch of sweetness and acidity. Each bite bursts with a juicy, lip-tingling flavor that pairs perfectly with soft hamburger buns and a sprinkle of tangy blue cheese. Whether you’re serving meat lovers or vegetarian friends, this recipe brings everyone together around the table with satisfaction and smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Buffalo Sloppy Joes with Vegetarian Options Recipe calls for a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that come together beautifully to create a colorful and flavorful dish. Every single item plays a role in balancing spice, texture, and brightness.
- Extra lean ground turkey or Morning Star Chik’n Strips: The star protein that delivers a juicy, meaty base while keeping things lean or plant-based.
- Celery ribs (chopped): Adds a satisfying crunch and subtle herbal brightness.
- Medium onion (chopped): Provides the classic aromatic foundation essential for depth of flavor.
- Grated carrot: Brings natural sweetness and a tender texture that complements the savory elements.
- Minced garlic cloves: Intensifies the savory profile with a gentle kick of pungency.
- Tomato sauce (8 oz can): Creates a rich, tangy base to hold all the flavors together.
- Chicken or vegetable broth (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and a subtle savory note without overpowering the sauce.
- Louisiana-style hot sauce (1/4 cup): The heat powerhouse that defines the buffalo flavor — adjust to your spice tolerance.
- Brown sugar (2 tbsp): Balances the acids and heat with a warm caramel sweetness.
- Red wine vinegar (2 tbsp): Sharpens the overall flavor and lifts the richness.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp): Brings a savory umami boost for complexity.
- Pepper (1/4 tsp): Just enough for extra seasoning depth.
- Hamburger buns (8): Soft, slightly sweet bread that wraps the sloppy joe filling perfectly.
- Crumbled blue cheese (1 cup): Optional but highly recommended for that creamy, tangy contrast on top.
How to Make Buffalo Sloppy Joes with Vegetarian Options Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Protein
Start by chopping the onion, celery, and garlic while grating the carrot. This prep work is quick and makes a huge difference in the final texture and flavor of your sloppy joes. Choose your protein: ground turkey for a lean, meaty option, or Morning Star Chik’n Strips if you prefer a vegetarian twist. Having these ready sets the stage for a simple yet incredible cooking experience.
Step 2: Cook the Base Ingredients
Place a large pan over medium heat and add the ground turkey or Chik’n strips along with the chopped onion, celery, garlic, and grated carrot. Let everything cook together until the turkey is no longer pink or the veggie strips are nicely warmed through. This step allows the flavors to blend, and the natural sweetness of the veggies to mellow and complement the protein.
Step 3: Add the Sauce and Seasonings
Now it’s time to stir in the tomato sauce, broth (whether chicken or veggie), and the spicy Louisiana-style hot sauce, adjusting the heat depending on who’s eating! Follow up with brown sugar, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper. Stir everything thoroughly and let it heat through until it simmers gently. This is where all the bold, zesty flavors come alive and create the signature buffalo sloppy joe sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Sloppy Joes
To serve, generously pile the saucy filling onto soft hamburger buns. For an extra special touch, sprinkle crumbled blue cheese on top. The creamy and tangy cheese perfectly balances the heat and adds a delightful richness that’s simply irresistible.
How to Serve Buffalo Sloppy Joes with Vegetarian Options Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishing your sloppy joes, you can stick with the classic crumbled blue cheese, which melts slightly and adds a tangy creaminess that pairs wonderfully with the spicy buffalo sauce. If blue cheese isn’t your thing, try shredded cheddar or a dollop of cool ranch dressing for a fun twist. Fresh chopped parsley or green onions can also bring a lovely burst of color and a mild fresh flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish loves good company. Crisp celery sticks and baby carrots are perfect sides that echo the buffalo theme and provide a crunchy contrast. Classic French fries or sweet potato wedges invite a satisfying balance of textures, while a cool coleslaw adds creaminess and refreshment to tame the spicy, savory sloppy joe.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to jazz things up? Serve the filling over large lettuce leaves for a lighter, low-carb alternative that still delivers all the bold flavors. Or load up the sloppy joe mixture onto toasted baguette slices for a fun appetizer at your next gathering. Either way, this Buffalo Sloppy Joes with Vegetarian Options Recipe shines in casual dinners, game day spreads, or family meals with a little extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Buffalo Sloppy Joes with Vegetarian Options Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the filling separate from the buns to prevent sogginess. When you’re ready, simply reheat the filling and toast the buns fresh for the best texture.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Place the cooled filling in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Make sure to label it with the date so you can enjoy your buffalo-inspired meal another day without losing any flavor or quality.
Reheating
For reheating, thaw the filling overnight in the refrigerator, then warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until hot throughout. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Toast your buns just before serving, then assemble and enjoy the vibrant flavors as if it was freshly made.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan instead of just vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a fully vegan Buffalo Sloppy Joes with Vegetarian Options Recipe, swap the Morning Star Chik’n Strips for a vegan-friendly protein like Beyond Meat or lentils, use vegetable broth, and skip the blue cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese option. It’s still packed with flavor and satisfaction.
How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust the heat?
The heat level mainly depends on the amount of Louisiana-style hot sauce you add. Start with less if you prefer milder flavors — you can always add more to taste. This flexibility makes it ideal for feeding kids or those less tolerant of spice.
Is blue cheese necessary on top?
While blue cheese is the classic topping that enhances the dish’s tanginess and creaminess, it is optional. If you’re not a fan, feel free to omit it or substitute with shredded cheddar, cream cheese, or a drizzle of ranch dressing for a different but delicious flavor profile.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes! The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. This actually allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just warm it gently before assembling your sloppy joes to enjoy the full burst of buffalo goodness.
What kind of buns work best for sloppy joes?
Soft hamburger buns are ideal because they soak up the sauce slightly without falling apart. Potato buns or brioche add a touch of sweetness and richness, which complements the spicy buffalo flavor perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as digging into a juicy, spicy, and comforting plate of Buffalo Sloppy Joes with Vegetarian Options Recipe. It’s a brilliant way to bring bold, complex flavors to your family table without fuss or stress. Whether you’re making the classic turkey version or trying the vegetarian alternative, this recipe promises to be a delicious hit. Grab those buns, gather your favorite toppings, and enjoy every fiery, tangy bite!
Print
Buffalo Sloppy Joes with Vegetarian Options Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Buffalo Sloppy Joes offer a spicy and flavorful twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich, using lean ground turkey and a zesty mix of hot sauce, tomato, and spices. A vegetarian option with Morning Star Chik’n Strips provides a delicious alternative, topped with crumbled blue cheese for an extra tangy finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs extra lean ground turkey (vegetarian option: use Morning Star Chik’n Strips)
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (vegetarian option: vegetable broth)
- 1/4 cup Louisiana-style hot sauce (adjust to taste; use less for kids)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
To Serve
- 8 hamburger buns
- 1 cup crumbled blue cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the onions, celery, and garlic finely. Grate the carrot. This prep work ensures even cooking and flavor distribution in the sloppy joe mix.
- Cook the Base: In a large pan over medium heat, combine the ground turkey (or Morning Star Chik’n Strips for the vegetarian option), chopped celery, onion, grated carrot, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is no longer pink and the vegetables have softened, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, chicken or vegetable broth, hot sauce, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Mixture: Continue cooking the mixture over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the hot buffalo sloppy joe mixture onto hamburger buns. Garnish each sandwich with crumbled blue cheese if desired for a creamy, tangy contrast. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a milder version, reduce the amount of hot sauce or substitute with a milder pepper sauce.
- The vegetarian option swaps ground turkey with Morning Star Chik’n Strips and chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Blue cheese topping is optional but adds a great flavor contrast; substitute with shredded cheddar for a different twist.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free buns and ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
